Phototreatment device for use with coolants and topical substances

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems are disclosed for phototreatment in which replaceable containers comprising one or more adjuvant (consumable or re-useable) substances are employed. The adjuvant substance can be, for example, a topical substance or a coolant. Systems are disclosed for using a topical substance to detect contact of a phototreatment device with a tissue, detect speed of a phototreatment device over the tissue, detect regions of tissue that have been treated by a phototreatment device and/or to provide other benefits to the tissue such as improved skin tone and texture, tanning, etc. Safety systems are also disclosed that ensure that a proper consumable substance and/or container is connected to a phototreatment device and/or directed to a proper target. Additionally, cooling systems and methods that utilize phase change materials for extracting heat from a light generating device are disclosed.

PRIORITY

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/154,756 filed May 23, 2002 and claims priority to U.S.provisional application No. 60/420,645 filed Oct. 23, 2002 and U.S.provisional application No. 60/498,258 filed Aug. 25, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed generally to systems andmethods for phototreatment in which adjuvant substances are used forcooling or topical applications.

[0003] There exists a variety of conditions that are treatable usingphototreatments of tissue (e.g., phototherapeutic and photocosmetictreatments). Such phototreatments include light-based hair removal,treatment of various skin lesions (including pigmented and vascularlesions as well as acne), tattoo removal, facial skin improvement, fatand cellulite treatment, scar removal, and skin rejuvenation (includingwrinkle reduction and improvement of tone and texture), odor redaction,acne treatment to name a few.

[0004] Typically, light from a phototreatment device treats a tissueusing a photothermal mechanism (i.e., a target structure or a tissueproximate the target structure is heated to effect the treatment) and/ora photodynamic therapy mechanism (i.e., the light causes a photochemicalreaction). A variety of different light sources can be incorporated intoa handpiece of a photocosmetic device for generating radiation suitablefor a desired treatment of a patient's skin. These light sources, whichcan be either coherent or non-coherent, can emit light at a singlewavelength, multiple wavelengths or in one or more wavelength bands.Some examples of such light sources include, without limitation, diodelasers, LEDs, arc lamps, flash lamps, tungsten lamps, and any othersuitable light emitting devices.

[0005] Such light sources typically convert a portion of an appliedelectrical energy into optical energy while the rest of the electricalenergy is converted into waste heat. For example, in a photocosmeticdevice that utilizes a diode laser bar as the source of opticalradiation, up to about 40-60% of the electrical energy may be convertedinto waste heat. For LEDs, this loss can be as high as 70-99%. Otherlight sources may exhibit different efficiencies for generating opticalenergy. However, in general, a substantial amount of waste heat isgenerated that needs to be removed in order to ensure proper operationof the light source and to prevent shortening its lifetime. In addition,heat removal is important to ensure that the temperature of thecomponents of the handpiece that are in contact with a patient's skinremain in a suitable range that is not damaging to the skin.

[0006] Adjuvant substances include consumable and reusable coolants tobe applied to one or more target components of a phototreatment device.For example, because of the use of high-power radiation to performphototreatments, one or more electronic or optical components maygenerate significant amounts of heat. Such components include, forexample, laser diodes, LED or high-power electrical components. Coolantsfor removing heat from such components have been used to reduce theexpense of maintaining phototreatment devices by increasing theiroperational lifetimes and/or to improve their safety.

[0007] Phototreatment devices are also often used with other consumablematerials including, for example, topical substances. Conventionaltopical substances include any suitable topical liquid or emollient,such as a lotion, gel, water, alcohol, or oil. Such topical substancesmay be used, for example, to improve the safety of a device, efficacy ofa treatment, cosmetic qualities of a treated tissue, and/or comfort of apatient.

[0008] While consumable substances, such as those discussed above mayprovide benefits, the use of consumable materials may lead to difficultyand expense in packaging, handling, and manufacturing of phototreatmentdevices employing such materials. Hence, there is a need for methods andsystems that allow efficient and cost effective delivery of adjuvantsubstances during phototreatment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Methods and systems are disclosed for phototreatment in whichreplaceable containers comprising one or more adjuvant (consumable orre-useable) substances are employed. The adjuvant substance can be, forexample, a topical substance or a coolant. Systems are disclosed forusing a topical substance to detect contact of a phototreatment devicewith a tissue, detect speed of a phototreatment device over the tissue,detect regions of tissue that have been treated by a phototreatmentdevice and/or to provide other benefits to the tissue such as improvedskin tone and texture, tanning, etc. Safety systems are also disclosedthat ensure that a proper consumable substance and/or container isconnected to a phototreatment device and/or directed to a proper target.Additionally, cooling systems and methods that utilize phase changematerials for extracting heat from a light generating device aredisclosed.

[0010] In one aspect, the invention provides a container having acontainer housing defining at least one compartment therein, a substancecontained in the compartment, and an indicator coupled to thecompartment for monitoring substance release during phototreatment. Thehousing and compartment are capable of being coupled to a phototreatmentdevice to provide a flow path for substance release duringphototreatment. The compartment can be fluidly coupled to at least oneelement selected from the group consisting of a head of a phototreatmentdevice, a heat dissipating element in the phototreatment device, atarget area, and a tissue region to be treated. The indicator canindicate an aspect of the container (i.e., amount of substance containedtherein, temperature, etc.) or the substance (i.e., temperature,activity, etc.). The indicator can be selected, for example, from thegroup including mechanical indicia, optical indicia, magnetic indicia,electronic indicia, and piezoelectronic indicia. The substance can be aconsumable substance and can contain a marker.

[0011] In another aspect of the invention, a subassembly is disclosedfor use with a phototreatment device to treat a tissue. The subassemblyhas a container capable of storing a substance and coupling to thephototreatment device. The subassembly can further include a detectorcoupled to the container and configured and arranged to monitor asubstance parameter. The container can have an outlet to allow releaseand/or replenishing of the substance, which can be a consumablesubstance, such as a coolant and a topical substance. Non-limitingexamples of a topical substance include lotions, water, alcohols, oils,gels, powders, aerosols, granular particles, creams, gels, waxes, andfilms. The consumable substance can include a super-cooled liquid, apressurized gas, or a phase change material. For example, the consumablesubstance can be a phase-changing material exhibiting a phase transitionfrom a liquid to a gaseous state or exhibiting a phase transition from asolid to a liquid state. Suitable phase change materials include, butare not limited to, liquid carbon tetrafluoride, liquid CO₂, ice, frozenlotions, frozen wax, frozen creams and frozen gels. The container can befluidly coupled to the device, a tissue region, a target area, a head ofthe device, or a heat dissipating element located within the device,e.g., located in a handle of the device. The container can also containa reusable substance, such as a phase-change material. The detector canbe a mechanical detector, an optical detector, a magnetic detector, anelectronic detector, and a piezoelectronic detector. The subassembly canbe replaced by the user.

[0012] In another aspect, the invention discloses a container having ahousing defining at least one compartment therein, a substance containedin the compartment. The housing and the compartment are capable ofcoupling to a phototreatment device to permit heat transfer between thesubstance and the device. The container further includes an indicatorcoupled to the compartment. The compartment is capable of being fluidlycoupled to at least one of a head of a phototreatment device, a heatdissipating element, or a tissue to be treated. The substance containedin the container can be a re-useable substance, such as a phase changematerial, or a consumable substance, such as a coolant or topicalsubstance. The substance can further contain a marker. Non-limitingexamples of markers include absorptive markers, photoactive markers,optical markers, fluorescent markers, electric markers, and magneticmarkers. The marker can indicate an aspect of the substance. The markercan be selected from the group consisting of dyes, metals, ions, coloredparticles, photosensitive dyes, photosensitive materials, carbonparticles, conductive skin lotions, electrolyte sprays, conductiveelectrode gels, and oxides.

[0013] At least one compartment of the container can have a firstcompartment and a second compartment, the first compartment is adaptedto couple to a tissue, and the second compartment is adapted to coupleto a heat dissipating element in the phototreatment device. The firstcompartment can contain a topical substance, such as lotion, cream, wax,film, water, alcohol, oil, gel, powder, aerosol, and granular particles.The topical substance can achieve at least one of moisturizing skin, UVprotection, tanning skin, improving skin texture, improving skin tone,reduction and/or prevention of cellulite, reduction and/or prevention ofacne, wrinkle reduction and/or prevention of wrinkles, reduction ofscars, reduction and/or prevention of vascular lesions, reduction inpore size, oil reduction in sebum secretion, skin elasticityimprovement, reduction in sweat secretion, reduction and/or improvementof odor, body hair reduction or removal, and stimulation of hair growth.The second compartment of the container can contain a coolant.Non-limiting examples of a coolant include liquid tetrafluorethane(R-134a), liquid CO₂, ice, frozen lotion, frozen gel, cristallohydrates(45% CaCl*6H₂O: 55% CaBr*6H₂O ore KF*4H₂O), organic materials asHO(C₂H₄O)₈C₂H₄OH (PE Glycol), Caprilic acid, Hexadecane, and Paraffin5913. A single consumable substance can function as a topical substanceand a coolant, and can be directed to both tissue and a heat dissipatingelement. In some embodiments of the present invention, a container for atopical substance and/or coolant comprises a first compartment fluidlyconnectable to a tissue, and a second compartment fluidly connectable toa heat dissipating element of the phototreatment device.

[0014] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of operating aphototreatment device comprising the steps of coupling a container of anadjuvant substance, having an indicator associated therewith to permitmonitoring of the substance, to a phototreatment device, determining avalue of the indicator, and enabling operation of the phototreatmentdevice if the value is acceptable. The step of enabling operation caninclude, for example, activating a radiation source. The indicator canbe, without limitation, an optical indicator, mechanical indicator,electronic indicator, and magnetic indicator.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the invention provides a system, having aradiation source, a detector, and a processor, for measuring a speed ofmotion of a phototreatment device over a tissue region, where thephototreatment device has an electromagnetic source to effect aphototreatment and the tissue region has a substance applied thereto. Anapplicator coupled to the phototreatment device can be used fordepositing the substance, which can contain a marker, onto the tissueprior to irradiation of the tissue region by the radiation source. Thesubstance contains a marker. Non-limiting examples of markers includefluorescent markers, absorptive markers, electrical markers, opticalmarkers, and magnetic markers. The radiation source can be positioned onthe phototreatment device to irradiate the tissue region and the appliedsubstance. The detector is associated with the phototherapeutic deviceconfigured and arranged to monitor the substance. The processorcalculates a speed of motion of the phototreatment device based onsignals from the detector. The radiation source can be further coupledto the phototreatment device for irradiating a plurality of tissuelocations and the substance applied thereto as the device moves over thetissue region. The detector can be further coupled to the phototreatmentdevice at a selected distance from the radiation source and arranged tomonitor a response of the substance at an irradiated location subsequentto the irradiation. The processor can be further coupled to the detectorfor comparing the monitored response with a pre-selected value todetermine a continues or discrete speed of motion of the phototreatmentdevice.

[0016] The system can contain a comparator for comparing the calculatedspeed of motion with a defined maximum speed value in order to determinewhen the calculated speed has exceeded a threshold established by thedefined maximum speed. A maximum speed can be in the 10-500 mm/secrange. A comparator can also be used for comparing the calculated speedof motion with a defined minimum speed value in order to determine whenthe calculated speed has fallen below a threshold established by thedefined minimum speed. A minimum speed can be in the 5-100 mm/sec range.The system also contains a shut-off switch responsive to a controlsignal to terminate phototreatment when the speed has fallen below thethreshold, thereby preventing potential injury to the user, or when thespeed is above the threshold, thereby preventing ineffective treatment.For example, the control signal can enable the processor to control theelectromagnetic source based on the speed of the phototherapeuticdevice. The shut-off switch can include a shutter that blocks theradiation and/or an alarm to alert the user.

[0017] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of operating aphototreatment device that includes the steps of applying a topicalsubstance to a tissue, detecting a parameter associated with the topicalsubstance, and enabling operation of the phototreatment device based ona detected value of the substance parameter.

[0018] In yet another aspect, a phototreatment device for use with amarker is disclosed. The device includes a radiation source to effect aphototreatment on a region of tissue, and a detector assembly to detectthe marker and to selectively activate the radiation source based onmarker detection. The detector can be, for example, an optical detector,a heat detector, an electronic detector, a mechanical detector, or amagnetic detector. The detector assembly can be configured and arrangedto detect a reflected portion of light from an object, and to determineif the object is a tissue. The device can also have an applicatorconfigured and arranged to deposit the marker in at least a portion ofthe region.

[0019] In other aspects, applicants have realized that a phasetransition of a phase change material can be employed to extract heatfrom an element that is heated or generates heat (“heated element”) andis incorporated in a handpiece of a photocosmetic device. The heatedelement may be any element that generates heat. Such heat generatingelements can include, for example, a light source, a portion of apatient's skin or electronics incorporated in the device. Further, aheated element can include any element that receives heat (i.e., it isheated) from a heat generating source. Such elements can include, forexample, a heat sink, a heat exchanger, a heat spreader, a heat pipe, aheat transfer element, a circulating gas or liquid, or components(including optical components) that are in thermal contact with atreatment site. The term “phase change material,” as used herein, refersto any substance or compound that exhibits at least two phases betweenwhich a transition can be caused by either removing heat from ordepositing heat into the substance or compound. The transition betweenthese phases typically occurs at a well defined temperature hereinreferred to as a phase transition temperature, which can depend onambient pressure. The heat deposited or removed from such a phasetransition material at the phase transition temperature is hereinreferred to as the latent heat associated with the phase transition. Forexample, a phase change material can be initially in a solid phase, andcan transition into a liquid phase by absorbing an amount of heat, whichis herein referred to as the latent heat of melting.

[0020] In many embodiments of the invention described below, ice isemployed as a phase change material for removing waste heat generated bya light source incorporated in a handpiece of a photocosmetic device.Applicants have discovered that ice is a particularly suitable materialfor use in various embodiments of the invention because it exhibits afairly high latent heat of melting, namely, 330 J/g at atmosphericpressure, thus providing an efficient mechanism for heat removal.Further, melting of ice generates water, which is a biologicallycompatible substance, is environmentally safe, and can be mixed withskin beneficial compounds. Although ice is described below as onepreferred substance whose phase transition can be utilized in thepractice of the invention for heat removal, it should be understood thatother suitable phase transition materials can also be employed. Further,rather than utilizing the latent heat of melting, the latent heat ofsublimation of a phase transition material, such as dry ice, can beutilized in the practice of the invention to remove heat from a heatedelement.

[0021] A variety of different embodiments that utilize such phase changefor cooling a photocosmetic device are described below. In principle,the phase change medium, e.g., ice, can be provided in the handpieceitself to be in thermal contact with a heat generator (e.g., a lightsource), typically via a heat transfer element (e.g., a copper block),or in thermal contact with any other heated element. Alternatively, thephase transition medium can be provided in a base of the photocosmeticdevice to extract heat from a cooling fluid that circulates between thebase and the handpiece to cool a heat generator (e.g., light source) orany other heated element (e.g., the optical system that delivers lightonto a patient's skin). Those having ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that other alternative approaches are also possible. Forexample, phase transition media can be provided both in the handpiecefor direct cooling of the heated elements in the handpiece (e.g., theskin and/or light source) and in the base for functioning as a heatexchanger for electronics.

[0022] In one aspect, the invention provides a closed-loop (renewable)cooling system for extracting heat from a heated element of aphotocosmetic device in which a phase change medium, e.g., ice,subsequent to its phase transition as a result of heat absorption isregenerated in a state suitable for heat extraction, and is reused. Theregeneration of the phase change medium can be performed, for example,by a refrigeration unit incorporated in, or externally coupled to thephotocosmetic device.

[0023] In another aspect, a phase change medium is utilized to extractheat from a circulating fluid that in turn removes heat from a heatedelement of a photocosmetic device. The phase change medium can belocated remotely relative to the heated element.

[0024] The term “thermal contact” is generally known in the art. To theextent that a definition may be needed, this term as used herein inintended to encompass any coupling between at least two elements thatallows transfer of heat between them. Such a thermal coupling can beobtained by a direct physical contact between the elements, or via anintermediate heat conducting element, or heat pipe or loop withcirculating gas or liquid. A heat exchanger is a device for transferringheat from one medium to another, for example, from water to air, fromice to water, or from water to water. The better the thermal contactbetween the media, the more effective the heat exchanger. Alternatively,or in addition, radiative heat transfer can be established between twoelements without direct physical contact or the use of an intermediateheat conducting element. Hence, in general, two elements are in thermalcontact so long as heat can be transferred between them.

[0025] In further aspects, the invention provides a cartridge that cancontain a selected quantity of a phase change material. The cartridgecan couple to a heated element incorporated in a photocosmetic device,so as to bring the phase change material into thermal contact therewith.The heat transfer from the heated element to the phase change mediumcauses a phase transition of the phase change medium, for example, froma solid state to a liquid state, thereby removing heat from the heatedelement. The cartridge can further include a flow path for directingfluid, which can be generated following the phase change, away from theheated element.

[0026] In another aspect, the invention provides a cartridge for storinga phase change medium, which can be removably and replaceably placedwithin the flow path of a cooling fluid utilized for extracting heatfrom a heated element of a photocosmetic device. A phase transition ofthe phase change medium removes heat carried by the cooling fluid,thereby lowering its temperature.

[0027] In another aspect, the invention provides mechanisms for applyingpressure to a phase change medium to facilitate maintaining good oroptimum thermal contact between the phase change medium and a heatedelement incorporated in a photocosmetic device. The applied pressureensures that the phase change medium remains in good or optimum thermalcontact with the heated element as the heat from the heated elementcauses a phase transition of the phase change medium at its interfacewith the heated element.

[0028] In yet another aspect, the invention provides a cooling device,in which a phase change medium can be stored, that can couple to anoptically transmissive element of a handpiece of a photocosmetic deviceso as to provide thermal contact between the phase change medium and theoptical element. A phase transition of the phase change medium extractsheat from the optical element, thereby maintaining its temperature in anacceptable range.

[0029] Although several of the following embodiments are directed tocooling a light source incorporated in a photocosmetic device, thosehaving ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the teachings ofthe invention can be employed to cool light sources incorporated inother devices, such as, military, consumer or commercial lighting,industrial, medical and a variety of consumer devices. In general, theteachings of the invention are applicable to cooling any light sourcehaving a finite operational life time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the present inventionwill be described by way of example with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

[0031]FIG. 1A is a schematic view of one example of an embodiment of aphototreatment device to treat a tissue according to aspects of thepresent invention;

[0032]FIG. 1B is a schematic view illustrating some aspects of aself-contained phototreatment device according to the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a phototreatment device including aconsumable substance application system according to aspects of thepresent invention;

[0034]FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a first example of acontainer comprises a first compartment fluidly connectable to a tissue,and a second compartment fluidly connectable to a phototreatment device;

[0035]FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a second example of acontainer comprises a first compartment fluidly connectable to a tissue,and a second compartment fluidly connectable to a phototreatment device;

[0036]FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of a third example of acontainer comprises a first compartment fluidly connectable to a tissue,and a second compartment fluidly connectable to a phototreatment device;

[0037]FIG. 4A is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of anapplication system for use with a replaceable container comprises afirst compartment fluidly connectable to a tissue, and a secondcompartment fluidly connectable to a head of a phototreatment device;

[0038]FIG. 4B is a second schematic view of an exemplary embodiment ofan application system for use with a replaceable container comprises afirst compartment fluidly connectable to a tissue, and a secondcompartment fluidly connectable to a head of a phototreatment device;

[0039]FIG. 4C is a top view of an embodiment of a container;

[0040]FIG. 4D is a bottom view of an embodiment of a container;

[0041]FIG. 5A is a first schematic view of a phototreatment devicehaving an indicia-based, detection and enablement system for use with aphototreatment device;

[0042]FIG. 5B is a schematic view of a container for use with anindicia-based detection and enablement system;

[0043]FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a container having a region to coola heat dissipating element in a phototreatment device;

[0044]FIG. 7 is a block diagram that schematically depicts an exemplaryembodiment of the invention in which the phase change medium is indirect thermal contact with a heated element incorporated in aphotocosmetic device, to cool the heated element during operation of thedevice;

[0045]FIG. 8A is a block diagram that schematically depicts anotherexemplary embodiment of the invention in which a phase change materialis employed to extract heat from a circulating fluid that cools a lightsource of a photocosmetic device;

[0046]FIG. 8B is a block diagram that schematically depicts yet anotherexemplary embodiment having a removable heat exchanger that can becoupled to a photocosmetic device to transfer heat from a circulatingcooling fluid, which extracts heat from a light source of the device, toa phase change material;

[0047]FIG. 9 is a cut-away, schematic perspective view of an exemplaryhandpiece of a photocosmetic device according to one embodiment of theinvention;

[0048]FIG. 10 is a cut-away view of an ice cartridge coupled to a heatsink of the handpiece shown in FIG. 9;

[0049]FIG. 11 is a cut-away view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 10 priorto its engagement with the heat sink;

[0050]FIG. 12 schematically illustrates coupling of the cartridge ofFIG. 11 with the heatsink of the handpiece of FIG. 10;

[0051]FIG. 13 schematically illustrates full engagement of the icecartridge of FIG. 11 with the heat sink of the handpiece of FIG. 10;

[0052]FIG. 14 schematically shows a handpiece of a photocosmetic deviceof the invention that allows diverting a portion of a liquid generatedas a result of melting of a phase change material onto a treatment areaof a patient's skin;

[0053]FIG. 15A is a schematic perspective view of a cooling mechanism,coupling the cartridge of FIG. 11 onto a base unit of a photocosmeticdevice and utilizing a TE cooler provided in the base unit for freezingwater contained in the cartridge into ice;

[0054]FIG. 15B is a schematic perspective view of another mechanism forcooling a cartridge containing a phase change medium;

[0055]FIG. 16 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates a heatexchanger according to one embodiment of the invention that canremovably and replaceably couple to a base unit of a photocosmeticdevice for cooling a fluid circulating between the base unit and ahandpiece of the device for removing heat from a heated elementincorporated in the handpiece;

[0056]FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of a cassette containingice coupled to a base unit of a photocosmetic device for removing heatfrom a heat exchanger provided in the base unit;

[0057]FIG. 18A is a schematic perspective view of the cassette of FIG.17 coupled to a receiving module in a base unit of the photocosmeticdevice;

[0058]FIG. 18B schematically illustrates the cassette and the receivingmodule of FIG. 18A in a disengaged state;

[0059]FIG. 19 is a cut-away perspective view schematically illustratingvarious components of the cassette of FIG. 18B;

[0060]FIG. 20 illustrates coupling of the cassette of FIG. 19 with aheat exchanger provided in the receiving module of FIG. 18B;

[0061]FIG. 21 schematically illustrates reduction of ice volume in alower portion of an ice container of the cassette of FIG. 20 as the heatremoved from a heated element of the photocosmetic device causes meltingof the ice;

[0062]FIG. 22 schematically illustrates that upon melting of all of theice in a lower portion of the container of FIG. 21, the generated wateris accumulated in an upper portion of the container;

[0063]FIG. 23 schematically illustrates a cooling device for removingheat from an optical transmissive element of a handpiece of aphotocosmetic device according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0064]FIG. 24A and FIG. 24B schematically illustrate alternativeimplementations of the cooling device of FIG. 23;

[0065]FIG. 25A is a graphical representation of absorption spectra forsome exemplary dyes suitable for use as markers of areas to be treated;

[0066]FIG. 25B is a graphical representation of exemplary absorptionspectra for some exemplary, biocompatible dyes suitable for use asmarkers of areas to be treated;

[0067]FIG. 26 illustrates photo-enhancement of transcutaneouspenetration of a retinol-containing preparation observed in in vitroconditions;

[0068]FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a system for measuring a speed ofmotion of a device on a tissue using a layer of marker material; and

[0069]FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of another aspect of thepresent invention directed to visibly indicating an area that has beentreated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Aspects of phototreatment devices according to the presentinvention, for use in medical or non-medical environments, may include,for example, the following characteristics: (1) reduced thermal tissuedamage (for example, it is desirable to avoid wounds and other skininjuries); (2) improved safety and efficacy (e.g., the device increasesthe likelihood that the appropriate consumable substances are used; thatthe device is in contact with particular tissue to be treated to avoidinjury to sensitive tissues (e.g., the eyes); that the device is movedover tissue within a particular range of speeds; and that treated areasare not overtreated); (3) easy maintenance (preferably maintaining adevice in useable condition and replacing expended parts can be easilyaccomplished); (4) easy manufacture (e.g., preferably the device ismanufacturable in high volume); (5) low-cost manufacture and operation(e.g., preferably the device is available and operable at a reasonableprice); (6) small package size (preferably the device is small andeasily stored, for example, in a bathroom); (7) improved patient comfortduring treatment (i.e., the device preferably results in reduced painfrom light or mechanical action); (8) ease of use (e.g., providing avisual indication of regions of tissue that have been treated or regionsto be treated); (9) it is capable of providing additional aestheticbenefits (e.g., application of a self-tanning substance). Currentlyavailable phototreatment devices have limitations related to one or moreof the above characteristics.

[0071] The present invention provides systems and methods for using aphototreatment device with a substance, which can provide beneficialeffects to the user such as cooling the target area, providing a meansfor generating a safety shut-off mechanism, marking the area that hasbeen treated, delivering therapeutic effects to the patient, etc. Thesubstance is contained within a compartment that is coupled to thephototreatment device. The substance can be an adjuvant substance, whichis either consumable or re-useable.

[0072] I. Substances: Consumable and Reuseable

[0073] The container described in the present invention can be used withan adjuvant substance. An “adjuvant substance” as used herein isintended to include both re-useable substances (i.e., phase changecoolant materials) and consumable substances (i.e., topical substancesand disposable coolants).

[0074] A coolant may be any suitable transportable material capable ofabsorbing heat. For example, a coolant may comprise tetrafluorethan(R-134a), liquid CO₂, ice, frozen lotion, wax or frozen gel. In someembodiments, the coolant is a phase change material (i.e., a materialthat changes phase in response to addition or removal of heat). Exampleof phase transition substances include: cristallohydrates (45%CaCl*6H₂O: 55% CaBr*6H₂O ore KF*4H₂O), organic materials asHO(C₂H₄O)₈C₂H₄OH (PE Glycol), Caprilic acid, Hexadecane and Paraffin5913. For example, the container may contain a pressurized gas in liquidphase (such that the liquid coolant is projected onto a target to absorbheat from the target, and in response to heat absorbed, the liquidchanges to a gas), or a solid state material (e.g., a powder or granulesor a block of material) with a melting temperature below the temperatureof the target heat dissipating element. Various other phase changingmaterials may be used.

[0075] A topical substance may be any suitable transportable material toperform any suitable function. For example, a topical substance mayenhance the efficacy of a phototreatment (e.g., coupling light from asource into a tissue, or by removing residual hairs), increase safety ofa phototreatment device (e.g., cooling the tissue, indicating areas thathave been treated, indicating rate of movement of the device over thetissue), provide comfort to a patient during or after a phototreatment(e.g., by containing mild anesthetic ingredients and/or by cooling), orprovide additional benefits for the skin and subcutaneous tissue (e.g.,by moisturizing skin, tanning skin, ultraviolet (UV) protection,improving skin texture and tones, improvement of skin elasticity,reduction or prevention of cellulite, decreasing the appearance ofcellulite, reduction and/or prevention of acne, reduction and orprevention of wrinkles, decreasing the appearance of scars, reductionand/or prevention of vascular lesions, reduction in pore size, oilreduction in sebum secretion, reduction of sweat, reduction of odor,reduction or removal of body hair, stimulation of hair growth, etc.). Insome embodiments, penetration of a tissue by topical substances may bephoto-enhanced and/or the effect of the topical substance may bephoto-enhanced by radiation from source 125.

[0076] According to some aspects of the present invention, a topicalsubstance may comprise a lotion, water, alcohol, oil, gel, powder,aerosol, granular particles, cream, gel, wax, film or any other suitablesubstance. Exemplary topical substances are preferably: biocompatible;have a low absorption coefficient for the wavelength or wavelengths oflight that effects a phototreatment (e.g., less than 1 cm⁻¹); and have alow scattering coefficient for the wavelength of light that effects aphototreatment (e.g., less than 10 cm⁻¹).

[0077] Topical substances for use with phototreatment devices operatedin contact with a tissue preferably have: a refractive index close tothe refractive index of the epidermis (e.g., the index may be 1.3-1.6,and preferably 1.4-1.55); a high thermal conductivity (e.g., greaterthan 0.1-1 W/m/K); and a good lubrication effect. It is to beappreciated that a topical substance can be applied to the treatmentregion by the patient or operator, or be dispensed from a suitabledispensing device. It is to be appreciated that a consumable substancemay have multiple purposes and effects, for example, the consumablesubstance may operate both as a topical substance and a coolant. In suchembodiments, a substance may be fluidly coupled to the tissue and theheat dissipating element, or the substance may be fluidly coupled onlyto the tissue but provide both cooling and other benefits to the tissue.

[0078] In other aspects of the present invention, efficacy and/or safetyof a phototreatment may be improved where the topical substance itself(which may or may not be a coolant) or a marker (added to the topicalsubstance) is used to designate an area to be treated, facilitatedetection of motion of a phototreatment device over tissue, and/orfacilitate measurement of speed of said motion.

[0079] Phase change materials can be used as re-useable substances. Thephase transition of a phase change material can be from a solid phase toa liquid phase, i.e., melting of ice, or from a solid phase to a gasphase, i.e., sublimation of dry ice stored in a cartridge. Thephase-change material can be employed for removing heat from the lightsource. Ice is a particularly good choice for the phase change materialbecause it exhibits a high latent heat of melting and is biologicallyand environmentally safe. It should, however, be appreciated that anyother suitable phase change material can also be utilized in thepractice of the invention. In some embodiments, a frozen mixture ofwater and an additive, such as salt or alcohol, can be used as the phasechange material. Other examples of the phase change material includegallium and wax. In general, a suitable phase change material preferablyexhibits a relatively high latent heat of melting to allow efficientheat dissipation, and is biologically safe. In addition, the phasechange material is preferably safe for release into the surroundingenvironment. Further, skin beneficial ingredients can be added to thephase change material to be released onto a portion of the patient'sskin during treatment of the skin by the photocosmetic device. Suchingredients can provide beneficial and/or therapeutic effectsindependent of the therapeutic effects provided by the exposure of theskin to light or heating or cooling provided by the photocosmeticdevice. Alternatively, the skin beneficial ingredients can be photo orthermally activated by the device to provide their intended beneficialeffects.

[0080] A single or multi-use cartridge containing both phase changematerial and skin beneficial ingredients can be configured in many waysincluding a) a phase change material (such as ice) mixed with skinbeneficial ingredients in a single chamber or b) a phase change materialand skin beneficial ingredients located in two separate chambers. Thecartridge can be located either in the base unit or the handpiece andcan be designed to be replaceable by the user.

[0081] For a single-use cartridge, the user would simply replace the oldcartridge with a new one prior to treatment. Assuming ice is used as thephase change material to cool the light source, a supply of single-usecartridges could be kept in the freezer and used as needed.

[0082] For a multi-use ice cartridge with separate chambers for thecaptive ice/water and beneficial ingredients delivered to skin, thewater could be refrozen after use. The multi-use cartridge could bedesigned to contain enough skin beneficial ingredients for 10 (nominal)treatments. If a marker was mixed in with the skin beneficialingredients and the device was designed to activate only when the markerwas detected, then the user would be forced to replace the cartridgeeven though the water could again be refrozen.

[0083] The lotion dispensed on the skin can contain both skin beneficialingredients and compounds designed to improve the thermal and opticalcontact between handpiece and skin. In the case of a handpiece designedfor unidirectional scanning across the skin surface, the lotion can bedeposited on the skin either pre or post laser irradiation. Bydepositing a lotion designed to improve thermal and optical contactprior to laser irradiation, improved safety and efficacy can beachieved. A lotion cooled by the ice in the cartridge could be appliedto the skin post irradiation to make the treatment more comfortable forthe user. Whether applied pre or post irradiation, the lotion willprovide lubrication, which allows the handpiece to be easily scannedacross the skin surface.

[0084] II. Phototreatment Devices Coupled to a Container

[0085]FIG. 1A is a schematic view of one example of an embodiment of aphototreatment device 100 to treat a target area or tissue 150, forexample, skin. Typically, photocosmetic treatments involve treating atarget area located within an epidermal or dermal layer. For example, inthe case of hair removal, it may be desirable to heat a bulb 152 of ahair follicle 160. Phototreatment device 100 includes a base unit 120,an umbilical cord 132 (also referred to herein as a “cord”), and ahandpiece 170. According to an aspect of the present invention,phototreatment device 100 also includes a replaceable container 130containing a consumable substance comprising, for example, a coolant ora topical substance. In other embodiments, container 130 may contain atopical substance and be fluidly connected to tissue 150.

[0086] Base unit 120 may include a power supply 124 to power anelectromagnetic radiation (EMR) source 125 (also referred to hereinsimply as a “source”), which effects a phototreatment. Power supply 124may be connected to an external power source or an internal battery. EMRsource 125 may be any source (e.g., a laser, a lamp, an LED, orcollected sunlight) capable of producing electromagnetic radiation toeffect any presently-known or later-developed phototreatment. Powersupply 124 may be electrically coupled to handpiece 170 via cord 132.Cord 132 is preferably lightweight and flexible.

[0087] Handpiece 170 includes a treatment head 180 (also referred to asa “head”) configured to be used in proximity to tissue 150, and a handle190 that may be grasped by an operator to move head 180 in any directionacross tissue 150. For example, head 180 may be pushed across the tissuein a forward direction 105 or pulled across the tissue in a backwarddirection 106. Handpiece 170 may be mechanically driven by a suitablemechanical apparatus or hand-scanned manually across tissue 150.Typically, during a given stroke (i.e., movement over tissue 150),contact will be maintained between head 180 and tissue 150 while head180 is moved, although some phototreatments according to the presentinvention may be achieved without contact. Firm contact between head 180and tissue 150 is preferable to ensure good thermal and optical contacttherebetween. Phototreatment device 100 is further described in U.S.application Ser. No. 10/154,756 filed May 23, 2002, entitled “CoolingSystem for a Photocosmetic Device,” by Altshuler et al., the entirety ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0088] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, source 125 is located inbase unit 120 and connected to head 180 via a light pipe (e.g., anoptical fiber, not shown) in cord 132. The light pipe may extend throughhandle 190, or may be otherwise connected to head 180 to deliver lightto tissue 150. In some embodiments, the source is located in thehandpiece, for example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 below, asource 252 is located in a handpiece 280.

[0089] While the above embodiment of a phototreatment device is modular(i.e., having a separated base unit and handpiece), it is to beappreciated that phototreatment devices according to aspects of thepresent invention can be implemented in a self-contained unit, in whichan entire phototreatment device is implemented as a handheld device.

[0090]FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional schematic of one embodiment of aself-contained photocosmetic device according to the present invention.Handpiece 101 comprises an optical source 155, an optical system 144,and a container 146 for a consumable substance. The device is shown incontact with a tissue region 150′. Optical system 144 couples light fromlight source 155 into a tissue region 150′.

[0091] A power supply 147 (e.g., battery or capacitor) supplieselectrical current to optical source 155. In some embodiments, powersource 147 may be charged via an electrical contact 151 or an electricalcord (not shown). An on/off button 143 controls the electrical power. Ahousing 153 may be used to enclose, protect, or mount one or more of theabove parts. Optionally, a hair removal device 154 (e.g., a razor) maybe located to remove hair prior to irradiation by light from opticalsource 155 to ensure that substantially no hair extends above the skinsurface. Further details regarding self-contained devices are given inU.S. application Ser. No. 10/154,756, incorporated by reference hereinabove. In some embodiments, container 130′ is coupled to optical source155 or an optical system 144.

[0092] As described in greater detail below, in some embodiments,containers 130 and 130′ can contain an adjuvant substance. An “adjuvantsubstance” as used herein is intended to include both re-useablesubstances (i.e., phase change materials) and consumable substances(i.e., topical substances and coolants).

[0093] In one embodiment, container 130 or 130′, shown in FIGS. 1A and1B, contains a coolant and is fluidly connected to a heat dissipatingelement of phototreatment device 100, 101 either in the base unit or inthe handpiece (for example, heat dissipating element 222 illustrated inFIG. 2 below). The coolant may instead be or may also be fluidlyconnected to tissue 150, 150′ to cool the tissue. The phrase “heatdissipating element” is defined herein to mean any element thatdissipates heat. A heat dissipating element may be a heat source (e.g.,EMR source 125 or power supply 124) or an element that dissipates heatfrom a heat generating element (e.g., a heat sink or thermallyconductive electrode).

[0094]FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a phototreatment device 200according to aspects of the present invention. A handpiece 280 includesa source 252 located to direct light from a head 272 onto a target area250 (e.g., an area of a patient's skin) on which a selectedphototreatment is to be performed.

[0095] A replaceable container 210 includes a consumable substance, forexample, a coolant 215, that may be fluidly connected to tissue 250and/or a heat dissipating element 222 in handpiece 280 and/or a heatdissipating element in base unit 220 (not shown). A “fluidly connected”container is defined herein as a container configured and arranged todeliver a substance (e.g., a consumable substance) to a selectedlocation (e.g., a tissue and/or a heat dissipating element). Forexample, a fluidly connected container may be directly connected to aselected location or may be connected via a conduit and/or a valve. Insome embodiments, container 210 is fluidly connected to a selectedlocation (e.g., a tissue or heat dissipating element) via a conduit 270.A consumable substance to be delivered may be any suitable transportablesubstance. For example, a transportable substance may be a gas, liquid,gel, powder, granules, or any substance capable of being delivered froma container to a selected location.

[0096] Consumable substances may provide any benefits as described aboveand may provide benefits such as improved moisture, tone, texture, skincolor, or exfoliation. Additionally, for example, a consumable substancemay have a suitable color or be capable of changing color afterreceiving light from a phototreatment device, for example, to identifyregions of tissue that have been treated by a phototreatment device asdescribed herein. As other examples, a consumable substance may be afluorescent material for use in a measuring speed of the device overtissue as described herein, or may provide any of a variety of otherbenefits as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0097] A conduit may allow flow of the consumable substance to onlytissue 250 or only to a heat dissipating element 222. Alternatively,conduit 270 may be bifurcated to allow flow of the consumable substanceto both tissue 250 through a branch 270 a, and a heat dissipatingelement 222 through a branch 270 b. Alternatively, container 210 may becoupled to two separate conduits, one to allow flow of the consumablesubstance to tissue 250, and one to allow flow to heat dissipatingelement 222. In some embodiments, conduit 270 may comprise rigidplumbing within the base unit 220, and may comprise flexible plumbing inthe region of the umbilical cord 232 to allow a user to freely move andorient the handpiece 280. Conduit 270 may be located such that theconsumable substance 215 is delivered onto an area of tissue 250 before,during and/or after phototreatment light is directed on the area oftissue.

[0098] As mentioned above, where a consumable substance 215 is acoolant, it may be any substance capable of absorbing heat. Preferably,the coolant is capable of efficiently absorbing heat. In someembodiments, the coolant changes phase as a result of absorbing heatfrom heat dissipating element 222 or tissue 250. The coolant may be aliquid that becomes gaseous; or a solid or gel that becomes liquid orgaseous. For example, the coolant may be a pressurized liquid, such asliquid carbon tetrafluoride or liquid CO₂, or the coolant may be asolid, such as ice, frozen lotion or frozen gel that evaporates and/orliquifies upon absorbing heat from a selected location (e.g., heatdissipating element 222 or tissue 250). In other embodiments, thecoolant may be a super-cooled liquid (i.e., liquid cooled below nominalfreezing temperature of its principal component).

[0099] Consumable substance 215 may be pressurized using any knownmethod such that the consumable substance may be projected onto aselected location upon release of the pressure via conduit 270. Forexample, consumable substance 215 may be mechanically compressed byreducing the volume of container 210 (e.g., by a spring, repellingmagnets, or other suitable apparatus for applying pressure). In someembodiments, consumable substance 215 is a liquified gas under pressure,where container 210 includes a portion of liquified gas 215 and aportion of gas 218. In some embodiments, the pressure in the containerprojects a portion of liquified gas 215 to a selected location.Alternatively, any suitable consumable substance 215 may be pressurizedand projected by adding any suitable pressurized gas 218.

[0100] It is to be appreciated that a consumable substance may include acombination of materials. For example, a consumable substance 215 maycomprise a coolant and a topical substance such that the consumablesubstance may be applied to tissue 250 and a heat dissipating element222.

[0101] One or more valves 230, 233, 234 may be included to control therelease of consumable substance 215. Valves 230, 233, 234 may be anyvalves controllable using electrical, mechanical, magnetic controls orany other suitable valves. In some embodiments, one or more of valves230, 233, 234 may be controllable based on speed of movement across theskin as measured by a motion sensor 240, or a temperature measured atthe skin by a temperature sensor 242 or a temperature measured at heatdissipating element 222 by a temperature sensor 243. Motion sensor 240and temperature sensors 242 and 243 are described in greater detail inU.S. application Ser. No. 10/154,756, incorporated by reference hereinabove.

[0102] Valves 230, 233, 234 may be located in any suitable location tocontrol the release of consumable substance 215. In some embodiments, avalve 230 is connected to container 210 or located in base unit 220,thereby avoiding adding to the size and weight of umbilical cord 236 orhandpiece 280. In other embodiments, one or more valves 233 and 234 arelocated in handpiece 280, proximate a selected location (e.g., proximatetissue 250 or a heat dissipating element 222). For example, locating oneor more valves in a handpiece 280 allows a pressurized liquid coolant215 to be maintained in a liquid state to facilitate projecting thecoolant onto the selected location in a liquid state; accordingly, asdescribed above, the liquid coolant may change phase as a result of heatabsorbed from a selected location.

[0103] In some embodiments, valve 230 is a displacement valve connectedto container 210, and base unit 220 has a corresponding pin to displacevalve 230 such that upon proper positioning of container 210, valve 230is activated and consumable substance 215 fills conduit 270. Optionally,container 210 and base unit 220 may be threaded such that container 210is screwed into base unit 222.

[0104] In some embodiments, base unit 220 maintains container 210 in aspecific orientation. For example, container 210 may be maintained in anorientation such that valve 230 is at the bottom container 230 (i.e.,gravity allows consumable substance 215 to flow through valve 230).

[0105] Although only one container is illustrated, phototreatmentdevices comprising two or more containers each containing a consumablesubstance, such as coolants and/or topical substances, are within thescope of the invention. As one of ordinary skill will understand, in thecase of two or more such containers, each of the containers is fluidlyconnected to one or more selected locations.

[0106] According to some embodiments of the invention, two containersmay be connected to a single conduit or separate conduits that meet atthe same target location to allow the consumable substances in the twocontainers to be physically or chemically combined either prior to orupon arrival at the selected location. Allowing two or more topicalsubstances to be mixed may provide a great many benefits. For example,the mixture of the topical substances may provide an improved topicalsubstance or coolant. Additionally, the two or more topical substancesmay have longer shelf life if kept in separate containers, or themixture of the topical substances may cause a chemical reactionproviding different benefits than either substance alone. For example,the combining of the consumable substances may result in an endothermicreaction that provides cooling or an active substance for topicalapplication (e.g., an exfoliant, hair removal substance or self tanningcompound).

[0107]FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of an example of acontainer 300 according to an aspect of the invention. Container 300comprises a first compartment 310 fluidly connectable to a tissue, and asecond compartment 320 fluidly connectable to a head or base unit of thephototreatment device. A “fluidly connected compartment” is defined as acompartment configured and arranged to deliver a consumable substance toa selected location. For example, a fluidly connected compartment may bedirectly connected to a selected location or may be connected via aconduit and/or a valve, as described above with respect to FIG. 2. A“fluidly connectable compartment” is defined herein to be a compartmentcapable of being arranged to deliver a consumable substance to aselected location. It is to be appreciated a fluidly connectablecompartment may provide for the flow of liquids, gases, gels, orsuitable solids (e.g., powder or granules).

[0108] First compartment 310 and second compartment 320 each contain acorresponding consumable substance 312 and 322. Consumable substances312 and 322 may be any consumable substances suitable for use with aphototreatment device as described herein. In some embodiments, at leastone of consumable substances 312 and 322 is suitable for application ona tissue as a topical substance which may or may not cool the tissue andthe other is a coolant for a heat dissipating element as described abovewith reference to FIG. 2.

[0109] First compartment 310 and second compartment 320 may be separatedby any divider 330 capable of separating consumable substances 312 and322. The divider may be rigid or flexible; divider 330 may be fixed to awall 302 of container 300, or may be moveable relative to wall 302. Insome embodiments, there may be more than one divider present.

[0110] In some embodiments, first compartment 310 and second compartment320 are in pressure communication. The phrase “pressure communication”is defined herein to mean that a pressure in one of first compartment310 and second compartment 320 is applied to the other compartment,respectively. Preferably, pressure communication allows the firstcompartment 310 and second compartment 320 to have equal pressuretherein.

[0111] First compartment 310 and second compartment 320 may be separatedby a divider 330 capable of maintaining pressurized gas in one or bothof compartments 310 and 320. For example, to achieve pressurecommunication, divider 330 may be fixed to wall 302 and have a valve 332to allow the flow of pressurized gas (e.g., a propellant) fromcompartment 320 to compartment 310; alternatively, divider 330 may bemoveable relative to wall 302 (e.g., the divider may be a plunger, suchas a plunger used in a syringe) such that divider 330 moves relative towall 302 to maintain a pressure in compartments 310 and 320.

[0112] Although first compartment 310 and second compartment 320 areillustrated as being disposed end to end, any suitable arrangement inwhich compartments 310 and 320 are fluidly connectable to a tissue and aheat dissipating element, are within the scope of this invention.Further exemplary embodiments of containers having a first compartmentand second compartment in pressure communication are illustrated belowwith reference to FIGS. 3B and 3C. It is to be appreciated that any ofthe embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C may include an indicator asdescribed herein.

[0113]FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a second example of acontainer 340 that includes a first compartment 342 fluidly connectableto a tissue through a port 341 (e.g., a valve) and having a consumablesubstance 343, and a second compartment 344 fluidly connectable to aheat dissipating element through a port 347 and having a consumablesubstance 345. First compartment 342 and second compartment 344 aredisposed side-by-side, and separated by a wall 349 and a divider 346.Divider 346 is moveable relative to walls 348 and 349 such that firstcompartment 342 and second compartment 344 are in pressurecommunication. As an alternative to a moveable divider 346, a valve maybe used to provide pressure communication.

[0114] While FIG. 3B was discussed with compartment 342 fluidlyconnectable to a tissue and compartment 344 fluidly connectable to aheat dissipating element, respectively, it is to be understood thatfirst compartment 342 may be fluidly connectable to a heat dissipatingelement and/or a tissue, and second compartment 344 may be fluidlyconnectable to tissue and or heat dissipating element.

[0115]FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of a third example of acontainer 350 that includes a first compartment 352 having a consumablesubstance 353 fluidly connectable to tissue through a port 351, and asecond compartment 354 having a consumable substance 355 fluidlyconnectable to a head of a phototreatment device through a port 357.First compartment 352 and second compartment 354 are separated by aflexible divider 356 such that first compartment 352 and a secondcompartment 354 are in pressure communication. For example, flexibledivider 356 may be a plastic bag.

[0116] Divider 356 allows a pressurized gas (e.g., a propellant) to bemaintained in a first of compartments 352 and 354, and maintains apressure in the other of compartments 352 and 354. Divider 356 iscompressed or expanded (depending on which of compartments 352 or 354has greater pressure).

[0117] While FIG. 3C was discussed with compartment 352 fluidlyconnectable to a tissue and compartment 354 fluidly connectable to aheat dissipating element, respectively, it is to be understood thatcompartment 352 may be fluidly connectable to a heat dissipating elementand/or tissue, and 354 may be fluidly connectable to tissue and/or aheat dissipating element.

[0118]FIG. 4A is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of anapplication system 400 for use with a container 405 comprised of a firstcompartment 410 fluidly connectable to a tissue, and a secondcompartment 420 fluidly connectable to a head 480 of a phototreatmentdevice.

[0119] In FIG. 4A, a first fluid connection is made to first compartment410, and a second fluid connection is made to second compartment 420.First compartment 410 of container 405 may be fluidly connected totissue 450 in any suitable manner, such as described above withreference to FIG. 2, and a second compartment 420 may have a fluidconnection to a heat dissipating element 422 of head 480, such asdescribed above with reference to FIG. 2.

[0120] In FIG. 4A, valves 430 and 432 may be used to control the flow ofa consumable substance 424. One or more valves 434, 435, 436 may be usedto control the flow of consumable substance 414 from first compartment410. Valve 435 may be a displacement valve, and base unit 425 may have apin 437 which displaces valve 435, such that upon displacement of thevalve 435, consumable substance 414 fills conduit 433. In someembodiments, pin 437 is located on a spring-activated door 428, suchthat when door 428 is closed, pin 437 activates valve 435. One or moreadditional valves 434, 436 may be added to control the flow ofconsumable substance 414, for example, flow may be controlled based onspeed of movement across the skin as measured by a motion sensor 440, ora temperature measured at the skin by a temperature sensor 442 or atemperature measured at a heat dissipating element 422 by a temperaturesensor 443. For reasons described above, one or more of valves 432 and436 may be located proximate a selected target location.

[0121] In some embodiments, base unit 425 maintains container 405 in aspecific orientation. For example, container 405 may be maintained in anorientation to facilitate flow of fluid 424 through a conduit 470 bypressure generated by a propellant.

[0122] In some embodiments, a connection 444 by which container 405connects to base unit 425 is different than a connection 446 by whichcontainer 405 connects to base unit 425. Referring to FIGS. 4C and 4D,connections 444 and 446 are illustrated in greater detail. In FIG. 4C,490 is a top view of container 405 and in FIG. 4D 492 is bottom view ofcontainer 405. For example, connections 444 and 446 may have differentcharacteristics, such that each of valves 435 and 430 is activated onlyif the connections 444, 446 are appropriate. Such connections arecommonly referred to as “lock and key” mechanisms. Accordingly,selective activation of valves 435 and 430 is achieved, such thatconsumable substance 414 is prevented from reaching heat dissipatingelement 422 and consumable substance 424 is prevented from reachingtissue 450. For example, this may prevent accidental upside-down orreverse insertion of container 405 in system 400, and thereby improvesafety and efficacy (e.g., the device connections 444, 446 reduce thelikelihood that inappropriate consumable substances are used).

[0123] A lock and key mechanism may achieve selective activation byconfiguring connections 444 and 446 based on characteristics including,but not limited to shape, size, and threads. For example, only if aconnection 444 or 446 is appropriate, is the corresponding valve 435,430 activated (e.g., pin 437 (shown in FIG. 4A) activates a displacementmechanism of a valve 435). Alternatively the lock and key mechanism mayachieve selective activation based on electrical, magnetic, orpiezoelectric characteristics. For example, only if a connection 444 or446 provides an appropriate electric or magnetic signal, is thecorresponding valve activated.

[0124]FIG. 4B is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of anapplication system 425 for use with a container 405′ comprising a firstcompartment 410′ fluidly connectable to the tissue (not shown), and asecond compartment 420′ fluidly connectable to a head (not shown) of aphototreatment device (e.g., container 300 shown in FIG. 3A above).Application system 425′ has a spring-loaded lid 428′ with a conduit 433′to the tissue and a conduit 470′ to a heat dissipating element.Consumable substances within container 405′ may be applied to the targetlocation as described with respect to FIG. 2 above.

[0125]FIG. 5A is a schematic view of a phototreatment device 500 havingan indicia-based, detection and enablement system. Phototreatment device500 includes a container 510 comprising a consumable substance 512 andan indicator 520. Container 510 is fluidly coupled to the head 580and/or the tissue to be treated. Phototreatment device 500 alsocomprises an indicia detector system 522 comprising a detector 524.

[0126] Indicator 520 may be any indicator of a consumable substance 512.Indicator 520 may be an optical indicia, a magnetic indicia, anelectronic indicia, a piezoelectronic indicia or any known or yet to bedeveloped indicia. Indicator 520 may be attached to the outside of thecontainer 510, may be integrated into the material comprising container510, or may be within container 510 and detectable through the materialcomprising container 510. Indicator 520 may contain informationidentifying any aspect of the consumable substance. For example, theindicator 520 may indicate a manufacturer of the consumable substance orcontainer 510, a manufacturing lot number of the consumable substance orthe container, a date on which the container or contents of thecontainer were made, the location where the container or contents of thecontainer were made and/or an expiration date of the contents. Indicator520 can also indicate the amount of consumable substance withincontainer 510 both when it is connected to the phototreatment device andas the consumable substance is used.

[0127] In some embodiments of phototreatment device 500, indicatordetector system 522 simply detects the presence of a container. Forexample, source 523 may project light onto container 510, such thatdetector 524 detects light reflected from container 510; alternatively,light projector 523 may project light to a detector 525, such that inabsence of container 510 light is detected by detector 525, and in thepresence of container 510, light is prevented from reaching detector525. Alternatively, a mechanical detector 528 may be displaced bycontainer 510 to detect the presence of container 510.

[0128] In some embodiments, indicator detector system 522 obtainsinformation from the indicator 520 using a suitable method of readingindicia. For example, detector system 524 may comprise an opticaldetector, magnetic detector, an electronic detector, a piezoelectronicdetector, or any other suitable indicia detector to detect and/or readany known or yet to be developed indicia. In some embodiments, indicatordetector system 522 may include a source 523 (for example, opticaldetectors systems such as bar code systems may require an opticalsource).

[0129] Detector system 522 may also include electronic components thatcan enable or disable the phototreatment device 500. For example, afterreading indicator 520, electronic components within detector system 522may determine if the indicia is one of an acceptable set of indicia. Ifthe indicia is acceptable, then detector system 522 may enablephototreatment device 500, or any component of phototreatment device500. If the indicia is not acceptable, then detector system 522 maydisable or not enable phototreatment device 500. For example,phototreatment device 500 may be enabled through an electronic switchwithin or coupled to detector system 522, or through additionalelectronics within or coupled to detector system 522 through an enablingsignal. Detector system 522, therefore, can prevent an inappropriatecontainer 510 from being used with phototreatment device 500, therebyprotecting the system and the person being treated. Detector system 500may be one of several safety systems within phototreatment device 500and the several safety systems may provide a safety loop whereby if anyone safety system detects a problem, device 500 is disabled or is notenabled.

[0130] Optionally, indicator detector system 522 may be coupled to aprocessor 550, and processor 550 may enable or disable phototreatmentdevice 500. In addition, processor 550 may be coupled to a memory 560.Indicator detector system 522 may detect indicator 520, and theprocessor may record the detected indicia in memory 560 and/or theprocessor may display data included in the indicia. Data detected bydetector 524 may be processed by phototreatment device 500 or any otherdevice (such as a diagnostic device). The processing of the data byprocessor 550 may occur before, after, simultaneously, or instead ofstorage in memory 560. The data processed by processor 550 may be usedto configure or adjust parameters of phototreatment device 500. Forexample, the fluence, pulse width, wavelength or any other parameter ofphototreatment device 500 may be changed depending upon the type ofcontainer detected through the indicator as being connected to thephototreatment device. As a result, multiple acceptable indicia maycorrespond to different containers containing different consumablesubstances and the processor may change the parameters of thephototreatment device to optimize the treatment for each particularconsumable substance. In addition, each container and/or consumablesubstance may correspond to a different type of treatment and theprocessor detection of a particular container would correspond to aparticular treatment for which the processor would adjust the parametersaccordingly.

[0131] In addition to or instead of the indicator detector system 522,one or more detectors 528, 530, 532 may be arranged to identify theconsumable substance 512. Detectors 528, 530, 532 may be any suitabledetector, such as those described above, for identifying consumablesubstance 512. Detectors 528, 530, 532 may use any physical, optical,electrical, mechanical, chemical, or other mechanism for identifying acharacteristic of consumable substance 512, to thereby identifyconsumable substance 512. For example, a detector may determine thechemical composition, the color, or the viscosity of a consumablesubstance.

[0132] Alternatively, a marker may be added to consumable substance 512to identify the consumable substance, such that the marker is detectedby detectors 528, 530, 532. The marker may be any suitable additive,such as those described above, capable of detection by any of the abovedescribed methods and mechanisms. For example, the marker may be a dyecapable of optical detection, or the marker may have a detectablechemical composition, or may have detectable magnetic properties, or itcan be a fluorescent material such that the additive is detected byprojecting light onto the additive.

[0133] Detectors 528, 530, 532 may be located at any appropriatelocation. For example, a detector (e.g., detector 530) may be locatedinside container 510 or integrated with container 510 and coupled withdetector system 522 or processor 550 in phototreatment device 500. Thedetector may be coupled to detector system 522 by an electricalconnection (e.g., metal contacts with or without a wire to detectorsystem 522) or by wireless communication (e.g., electromagneticpulse(s)). Alternatively, or in addition to detector 530, a detector528, 532 may be located within phototreatment device 500 and in the pathof the consumable substance 512 such that they can identify theconsumable substance or marker as it enters phototreatment device 500from container 510 (e.g., detector 528) or as it enters handpiece 580(e.g., detector 532). It is to be appreciated that any of detectors 528,530, 532 can be electrically coupled to any one or more of detectorsystem 522, processor 550, and a memory 560, for example, a bus line orother electrical connection may be implemented.

[0134] After identifying the consumable substance or marker, detectorsystem 522 or processor 550 may determine if the consumable substance ormarker is one of an acceptable set of consumable substances or markers.If acceptable, then detector system 522 or processor 550 may enablephototreatment device 500, or any component of phototreatment device500. If the consumable substance or marker is not acceptable, thendetector system 528 or processor may disable or not enablephototreatment device 500 or a selected one or more components ofphototreatment device 500. Identifying the consumable substance ormarker, ensures that the phototreatment device will only function with acontainer filled with appropriate consumable substances or markers,thereby further protecting the phototreatment device from damage and theperson being treated.

[0135] In some embodiments of phototreatment device 500, acommunications port 570 is included to enable data to be transmittedfrom phototreatment device 500 to external computer systems. Forexample, the data may be transmitted for diagnostic purposes, or forassisting a user in operating the device. Communications port 570 may bewired or wireless.

[0136]FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a container 510 for use with anindicator-based detection and enablement system. Container 510 comprisesa compartment 502 to contain a consumable substance (not shown) therein.Compartment 502 is fluidly connectable to a head or base unit of aphototreatment device or tissue (not shown). Container 510 furthercomprises an indicator 520.

[0137] Container 510 may be any container capable of containing aconsumable substance. For example, container 510 may be atwo-compartment container (shown in FIGS. 3A-3C) and/or a containerhaving a thermally conductive region (shown in FIG. 6); however,container 510 is not limited to such containers. The consumablesubstance may be any consumable substance suitable for use with aphototreatment device. For example, consumable substance may be atopical substance and/or coolant as described herein above.

[0138] III. Photocosmetic Device Cooling Systems

[0139]FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a container 600 having a region 610configured and arranged to cool a heat dissipating element 620 in aphototreatment device. Container 600 is arranged to be in thermalcontact with heat dissipating element 620. Container 600 may beconstructed of any thermally conductive material (e.g., a metal),comprising a compartment 640 and configured to contain a substancecapable of cooling heat dissipating element. The substance can be anysuitable substance, for example, ice, frozen gel, frozen lotion or othercoolant.

[0140] In some embodiments, the substance is not a consumable substance(i.e., the substance is not a topical substance and it remains in thecontainer). In such embodiments, the container may be re-used (i.e.,after the container has reached a temperature where it can no longeradequately cool, it may be re-cooled or re-frozen).

[0141] In some embodiments, container 600 is configured to contain aliquified gas 650 that is maintained in a liquid state by pressure.Container 600 is fluidly connectable to a head of a phototreatmentdevice and/or tissue (not shown) via any suitable connector 602.According to well known laws of thermodynamics, as liquified gas 650 isreleased from container 600, some of the liquified gas withincompartment 640 will experience a phase change from liquid to gas, andthereby reducing the temperature of liquified gas 650 and that of atleast region 610 of container 600. Accordingly, region 610 may bethermally coupled to a heat dissipating element 620 to remove heat fromthe heat dissipating element. Liquified gas 650 may be a coolant and/ora topical substance as described herein, which is capable of beingpressurized to form a liquified gas.

[0142] In some embodiments of container 600, only region 610 isconstructed of a thermally conductive region, so that heat isselectively dissipated at region 610, and the remainder of container 600is thermally insulated such that heat selectively flows through region610. In some embodiments, region 610 has a thickness T that is largerthan the thickness t of other regions of container 600 and, optionally,region 610 comprises a textured surface 612 for improving heat transfer.

[0143] With reference to FIG. 7, in some embodiments of the invention, aphase change material 710, such as ice, is in thermal contact with aheat transfer element 712 incorporated in a photocosmetic device, forexample, in a handpiece of such a photocosmetic device, that transfersheat from a heat generator, e.g., light source 714, electronics andcontact tip 714 a to the phase change material during the operation ofthe light source and/or between operation. The transferred heat cancause a phase transition in the phase change material, for example, atransition from a solid phase to a liquid phase, thereby providing amechanism for removing heat from the light source. In other words, theheat extracted from the light source by the heat transfer element 712which thermally contacting to tip 714 a and electronics provides theheat required for causing the phase transition of the phase changematerial. In this exemplary embodiment, the phase change material iscontained within an enclosure 716 having an opening 716 a that allowsdirect contact between the phase change material and the heat exchanger.The surfaces of the phase change medium and the heat transfer elementthat are in contact with one another are preferably shaped to optimizeheat transfer from the heat transfer element to the phase change medium.In general, the enclosure 716 is preferably formed of a thermally lowconductive material. In some embodiments, the phase change material 710can be in thermal contact with the heat transfer element 712 via aportion of the enclosure 716. In other embodiments, the phase changematerial can be in direct contact with the light source without theintervention of the heat transfer element 712. An optical element 714 a,which directs radiation from the light source 714 to a portion of apatient's skin, can also be in thermal contact with the heat transferelement to ensure that its temperature remain in a range that is notdamaging to the patient's skin.

[0144] With reference to FIG. 8A, in another exemplary embodiment of theinvention, a circulating cooling fluid, such as water, is utilized toremove heat from the heat transfer element 812, which in turn extractsheat from the light source 814 (or other heated element). A pump 818circulates the cooling fluid from the heat transfer element 812 toanother heat exchanger 820 that transfers heat from the cooling fluid tothe phase change material 810, such as ice, that is in thermal contactwith the heat exchanger 820. The transferred heat is dissipated bycausing a phase transition of the phase change material, for example,from a solid state to a liquid state. In this exemplary embodiment, thesecond heat exchanger 820 can be incorporated in the photocosmeticdevice, for example, in a base unit thereof. The phase change materialcan be prepared for use in the device externally, and then be placed inthermal contact with the heat exchanger 820 to extract heat therefromvia a phase transition to a different state. Subsequent to the phasetransition, the material can be removed from the photocosmetic device,and the cycle can be iterated. For example, when the phase changematerial is ice, a selected quantity of water can be frozen in anexternal freezer to form ice, and the ice can then be placed in thermalcontact with the heat exchanger 820. Upon melting of the ice, thegenerated water can be removed. Alternatively, a cooling device, such asa thermo-electric (TE) cooler can be provided in the photocosmeticdevice for re-generating the phase transition material in a statesuitable for extracting heat from the heat exchanger, without removingthe material from the photocosmetic device, after a phase transitioncaused by the heat transferred from the heat exchanger to the phasechange material. That is, in this example, the TE cooler can freeze thewater back into ice.

[0145] With reference to FIG. 8B, in another embodiment, a circulatingfluid transfers heat from the heat transfer element 812, which isthermally coupled to the light source 814 (or other heated element), toanother heat exchanger 822, which is in thermal contact with a phasechange material, such as ice. The heat exchanger 822, together with thephase change material 810, can be coupled to the photocosmetic device ina removable and replaceable fashion. For example, upon a phasetransition of the phase change material as a result of heat extractedfrom the circulating fluid, the heat exchanger and the phase changematerial can be removed from the photocosmetic device to be prepared forre-use in the device. For example, the heat exchanger together with thephase change material can be placed in an external freezer to cause aphase transition of the phase change material into a state suitable forextracting heat from the heat exchanger. A unitary structure can beutilized for housing the heat exchanger and the phase change material inthermal contact with one another. Alternatively, the heat exchanger 822and the phase change material can be housed in separate enclosures thatcan be coupled together so as to provide good thermal contact betweenthe heat exchanger and the phase change material.

[0146] Various exemplary implementations of the above embodiments aredescribed below. It should be understood that the following embodimentsare presented for providing further elucidation of salient features ofthe invention, and are not intended to be limiting of the types ofimplementations that can be employed to practice the invention.

[0147] By way of example, with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, anexemplary handpiece 924 of a photocosmetic device according to oneembodiment of the invention includes a light source 1026, e.g., a diodelaser or LED or lamp, that is positioned between positive and negativeelectrodes 1028 and 1030 and is in electrical contact with theseelectrodes. The diode laser can be clamped between the two electrodes,or can be secured to the electrodes by any other suitable method thatensures good thermal and electrical contact between the diode laser andthe electrodes, or only the positive electrode. The electrodes 1028 and1030 supply electrical power to the diode laser, and are preferablyformed of a material, e.g., copper, that has good thermal conductivity.The diode laser 1026 and/or the electrodes are in thermal contact with aheat transfer element 1032 (herein also referred to as a heat sink) thattransfers waste heat generated by the laser to a phase change material,such as ice, as described in more detail below. The heat sink 1032 canbe formed of any suitable material having good thermal conductivity. Forexample, the heat sink 1032 can be formed of copper, aluminum, diamondor any other suitable material.

[0148] The exemplary handpiece 924 further includes an optics assembly1034 having an optical transmissive element 1036, for example, asapphire window, that receives radiation emitted by the laser through aninput surface, and delivers the radiation through an output surface to aportion of a patient, for example, a patient's skin. The input surfaceof the transmissive element is typically located at close proximity ofthe laser without having direct contact therewith (in some embodiments,the input surface can have direct contact with the light source).Further, the transmissive element is preferably in thermal contact withthe heat sink 1032, and is formed of a thermally conductive materialthat allows removing heat from a portion of a patient's skin that istreated with radiation provided by the light source 1026.

[0149] The exemplary heat sink 1032 can couple to the diode laser 1026and/or the electrodes 1028/1030. A tubular housing 1033, which extendsfrom the heat sink block, can couple to a cartridge 938 in which aquantity of a phase change material, such as ice, is stored for coolingthe heat sink 1032, as described in more detail below.

[0150] The handpiece 924 is typically connected via an umblicial cord(not shown) to a base unit (not shown) that can include, e.g., a powersupply and associated electronics for powering the light source andproviding selected control functions. Alternatively, the handpiece 924may be the entire photocosmetic device including battery power.

[0151] The exemplary cartridge 1038, in which a phase change material isdisposed, can be removably and replaceably coupled to the heat sink 1032via the tubular housing 1033. The cartridge 1038 can hold a selectedquantity of a phase change material, which in preferred embodiments ofthe invention is selected to be ice. As discussed above, ice is aparticularly good choice for the phase change material because itexhibits a high latent heat of melting and is biologically andenvironmentally safe. It should, however, be appreciated that any othersuitable phase change material can also be utilized in the practice ofthe invention. Further, skin beneficial ingredients can be added to thephase change material to be released onto a portion of the patient'sskin during treatment of the skin by the photocosmetic device. Suchingredients can provide beneficial and/or therapeutic effectsindependent of the therapeutic effects provided by the exposure of theskin to light, heating or cooling provided by the photocosmetic device.Alternatively, the skin beneficial ingredients can be photo or thermallyactivated by the device to provide their intended beneficial effects. Asdiscussed in more detail below, the cartridge 1038 can be a disposableelement, or alternatively, can be a multi-use element.

[0152] With reference to FIG. 11, the exemplary cartridge 1138 has agenerally cylindrical shape (circular, elliptical, rectangular) andincludes a hollow tubular housing 1140 in which a quantity of ice, orother suitable phase change material, can be stored. A membrane seal1142, which is disposed at a proximal end of the cartridge 1138, andanother seal 1144, herein referred to as a piston seal, which isdisposed at a distal end of the cartridge, cooperatively ensure that theice remains confined within the cartridge before its engagement with theheat sink 1132. A volume 1146 disposed behind the seal 1144 provides aspace for collecting water, via a liquid return port 1148, that isgenerated as a result of melting of the ice, as described in more detailbelow.

[0153] The membrane seal 1142 is attached to an annular sealing ring1150 that can provide a seal between the cartridge 1138 and the heatsink 1132 upon coupling of the cartridge with the heat sink. The annularsealing ring 1150 and the membrane seal 1142 can be formed as twoseparate components and joined together, or alternatively, they can beformed as a unitary structure.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the cartridge 1238 can beinserted into the hollow tubular housing 1233 and pushed forward tofully engage with the heat sink. As shown in FIG. 12, as the cartridgeis pushed forward, an edge 1233 a of the tubular housing 1233 pushesback on the annular sealing ring 1250, thereby causing the membrane seal1242 to tear and to move towards the annular sealing ring 1250. Thetearing of the membrane seal 1242 exposes a surface of the ice, or otherphase change material stored in the cartridge, initially covered by themembrane seal. Upon full engagement of the cartridge with the heat sink(FIG. 13), this exposed surface will be in thermal contact with a backsurface of the heat sink block 1232 to allow heat generated by the lightsource to flow from the heat sink to the ice. The transferred heatcauses melting of the ice at the ice-heat sink interface, therebyremoving heat from the heat sink. In other words, melting of the iceprovides the mechanism for dissipating the heat generated by the lightsource.

[0155] The surface of the heat sink that is in contact with the ice ispreferably shaped so as to ensure a substantially uniform contact areabetween the ice and the heat sink at the ice/heatsink interface duringoperation of the handpiece. In general, this shape allows the contactsurface to be a surface of constant temperature. For example, this heatsink surface may have a generally convex shape that substantiallyconforms with a generally concave shape of the corresponding icesurface. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatother shapes can also be utilized to optimize the ice/heat sink contact.In addition, this surface can include one or more ports, e.g., in theform of slits, for removing fluid (liquid or gas), generated as a resultof phase transition of the phase change medium, from the interface ofthe heat sink and the phase change medium, thereby preventing formationof a liquid or a gas layer at this interface.

[0156] During operation of the handpiece, as heat from the light sourceis transferred to the ice via the heat sink 1232, water is generated atthe ice/heat sink interface. To ensure that the heat sink is in contactwith ice rather than water, in preferred embodiments of the invention,the ice cartridge is continuously or discrete translated towards theheat sink during operation and/or between operations of the handpiece.Further, the generated water is moved from the ice/heat sink interfaceto the volume 1246 at the distal end of the cartridge in a mannerdescribed in more detail below.

[0157] A number of mechanisms can be utilized for translating the icecylinder towards the heat sink. Without limitation, such mechanisms caninclude: a) a spring pressing against the back of the ice cylinder atthe distal end of the cartridge, e.g., pressing against the piston seal1144, b) a motorized linear screw, c) a compound that reacts with thewater collected in the volume 1146 to generate a gas, e.g., CO₂, todrive the ice forward with gas pressure, d) a foam, or other compound,disposed in the space 1146 whose volume expands at it absorbs water, e)a separate pressurized cylinder or pump that supplies gas for drivingthe ice forward by gas pressure, f) a permanent magnet or anelectromagnet, g) a piezo motor, h) a motor, which mounted insidehandpiece or main units and delivery pressure to melting substancethrough wire, i) pressure can be applied from the hand/fingers ofoperator with simultaneously activating of light sources, j) pressurefrom gas chamber heated by electronics or light sources. For example,for manual application of pressure, a portion of the handpiece 924 canbe made of a flexible material or otherwise compressible. Coolingefficiency and temperature of light sources and skin can be regulated bechanging of the pressure.

[0158] With reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 12, the exemplary handpiece 924further includes a vacuum/pressure pump 952 for pumping the watergenerated due to melting of the ice, or other fluid when a phase changematerial other than ice is employed, from the ice/heat sink interface,via a return manifold 954, to the volume 1246. More particularly, thepump 952 pumps the water through internal channels 1256 provided in theheat sink and via the return manifold 954 and the piping 958 into thespace 1246 at the distal end of the cartridge. This advantageouslyallows a more efficient thermal contact between the remaining ice, whichis translated forward to be in contact with the heat sink, and the heatsink.

[0159] With reference to FIG. 14, in some embodiments of the invention,the return manifold 1454 can include a plurality of ports 1460 throughwhich at least a portion of the water generated at the ice/heat sinkinterface can be diverted onto a portion of a subject's skin, which isunder treatment via radiation provided by the handpiece. In addition,selected additives, such as various therapeutic, cosmetic or cleaningagents can be added to the water that is diverted onto the skin surface.

[0160] In this exemplary embodiment, the optically transmissive element1036 of the optics assembly 1034 is in thermal contact with the heatsink 1032. This allows simultaneous cooling of the light source and theoptical element 1036. During operation of the handpiece, the opticalelement 1036 can be in contact with a portion of a patient's skin.Hence, cooling of the optical element 1036 provides a mechanism forremoving heat from the patient's skin to ensure that the temperature ofthe treatment area remains within an acceptable range, for example,below about 30° C.

[0161] In some embodiments of the invention, the laser diode 614, orother light source incorporated in the handpiece 924, may operate at asufficiently high temperature such that heat transferred via the heatsink to the ice will not only cause melting of the ice into water but itmay also cause evaporation of at least a portion of the generated water.The evaporation of the water, in other words, the phase transition ofthe water from a liquid phase to a gas phase, can help in removing heatfrom the heat sink. In some embodiments, the evaporation temperature ofwater can be decreased by lowering the ambient pressure in a volume inwhich water is generated as result of melting of ice, e.g., a volume atthe interface of the heat sink and the ice. For example, a pump canprovide a partial evacuation of air from this volume to lower theevaporation temperature.

[0162] The ice in the cartridge can be generated in a variety ofdifferent ways. For example, with reference to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B,the cartridge can be designed to couple to a thermoelectric (TE) cooler1561 provided in a base unit 1562 of the photocosmetic device.Alternatively, a TE cooler, adapted for coupling to the cartridge, canbe provided in an accessory unit. In another approach, the ice can begenerated by placing the cartridge in a freezer. Alternatively, asemi-permanent ice cartridge can be incorporated into the handpiece, andthe entire handpiece can be placed in a freezer to freeze water disposedin the cartridge into ice.

[0163] The cartridge can be designed as a disposable unit that isdiscarded after one use. Alternatively, the cartridge can be utilized asa reusable unit.

[0164] Although in the above exemplary embodiment, the cartridgecontaining the phase change material is incorporated in the handpiece,in other embodiments, the heat can be transferred from the heatedelement in the handpiece to another module in which the transferred heatcan be dissipated by causing the phase transition of a selectedmaterial, e.g., melting of ice,

[0165] It should be understood that phase change materials other thanice can be employed in a manner described above to extract heatgenerated by the light source. For example, in some embodiments, afrozen mixture of water and an additive, such as salt or alcohol, isprovided in the cartridge as the phase change material. Other examplesof the phase change material include gallium and wax. In general, asuitable phase change material preferably exhibits a relatively highlatent heat of melting to allow efficient heat dissipation, and isbiologically safe. In addition, the phase change material is preferablysafe for release into the surrounding environment.

[0166] In some embodiments of the invention, rather than utilizing thephase transition of a phase change material from a solid phase to aliquid phase, the sublimation of a phase change material, such as dryice stored in the cartridge, from a solid phase to a gas phase isemployed for removing heat from the light source.

[0167] In another aspect, the present invention provides a heatexchanger that utilizes a phase change material, such as, ice, forefficiently extracting heat from a heated element incorporated in thehandpiece of a photocosmetic device. By way of example, FIG. 16illustrates a heat exchanger 1664 according to one embodiment of theinvention that includes a substantially hollow housing 1666, formed, forexample, of metal or plastic. A plurality of structures 1668 havingselected geometrical shape are disposed within the housing 1666. Each ofthe structures 1668 provides an enclosure for storing a selectedquantity of a phase change material, such as ice. The structures canhave a variety of different geometrical shapes, such as, spherical,cylindrical, or an elongated serpentine shape, or any other suitableshape. Further, the structures 1668 can have different sizes for storingdifferent volumetric quantities of the phase change material. Ingeneral, the shapes and the sizes of these internal structures, whichfunction as reservoir for a phase change material, are chosen so as tomaximize their surface area to volume ratios, thereby enhancing theefficiency of heat exchange, as discussed in more detail below.

[0168] An internal volume of the heat exchanger 1664 surrounding thestructures 1668 is filled with a fluid having a freezing temperaturethat is lower than the phase transition temperature of the phase changematerial contained within these structures. For example, when the phasechange material is selected to be ice, the filling fluid can be amixture of water and alcohol, or water in which a selected quantity ofsalt is dissolved, having a freezing temperature that is lower than themelting temperature of ice. As described in more detail below, duringoperation of the photocosmetic device, a cooling fluid that hasextracted heat from a heated element of the device can circulate throughthe heat exchanger 1664, via ports 1670 and 1672 that allow ingress andegress of the cooling fluid into and out of the heat exchanger. The heatcarried by the cooling fluid causes a phase transition of the phasechange material contained within the structures 1668, thereby loweringthe temperature of the cooling fluid, which can then be employed againto extract heat from the heated element.

[0169] More particularly, in this embodiment, the ports 1670 and 1672,which can include, for example, quick connectors, can engage withcorresponding connectors 1674 and 1676, provided in a base unit 1678 ofthe photocosmetic device, in order to couple the heat exchanger to thebase unit. Further, two lumens 1680 and 1682 extend from the base unitto a handpiece 1684 of the photocosmetic device, through an umbilicalcord 1686, to provide passageways for circulating a cooling fluid, suchas water, between the base unit and the handpiece. The circulating fluidextracts waste heat generated by a heated element disposed within thehandpiece. Upon engagement of the heat exchanger 1664 with the base unit1678, the cooling fluid flows from the lumen 1680, via the connector1676 and the port 1670, into the heat exchanger 1664. The cooling fluidat a lower temperature exits the heat exchanger via the port 1672 andflows through the lumen 1682 to return to the handpiece for extract moreheat from the light source. Alternatively, the ports 1670 and 1672 mayengage connectors in the handpiece of the photocosmetic device.

[0170] Although in many embodiments of the invention, ice is employed asthe phase change substance contained in the internal structures 1668,other materials can also be employed. Such materials can include,without limitation, various frozen solutions of water and selectedadditives, such as alcohol or salt, pure alcohol or any other suitablematerial. In all such cases, the fluid filling the heat exchanger'shousing external to the structures 1668 should exhibit a freezingtemperature that is lower than the phase transition temperature of thephase change material. In some embodiments, the structures 1668 can bepartially filled with a liquid having a vaporization temperature that isabove the room temperature but below the cooling temperature.

[0171] Further, in some embodiments, rather than utilizing the latentheat associated with melting of a phase change material for extractingheat from a cooling fluid circulating through the heat exchanger, theheat of sublimation of a material, such as dry ice, contained within thestructures 1668 is utilized.

[0172] In other embodiments, the ambient pressure in the structures 1668is lowered below the atmospheric pressure by partial evacuation of airfrom the structures so as to raise the phase transition temperatureassociated with a phase change material confined within the structures.

[0173] As discussed above, it is generally preferable to design theinternal structures 1668 so as to maximize their surface to volumeratios. To this end, in some embodiments of the invention, the externalsurface of at least some of the structures 1668 exhibit a texturedpattern to maximize the surface area that is in thermal contact with acooling fluid flowing through the heat exchanger. The texturing of thesurface can be accomplished, for example, by providing semispheres,cylinders, or pyramids projecting from the surface.

[0174] The heat exchanger 1664 can be prepared for use by employing avariety of different approaches. For example, the heat exchanger can beplaced in a freezer for a selected duration to cause the phasetransition of a phase change material disposed in the structures 1668from a liquid phase to a solid phase, e.g., ice can be generated byfreezing water contained in the structures 1668. Alternatively, the heatexchanger can be coupled to a TE cooler, or any conventionalrefrigeration mechanism, which can be provided in the base unit 1670 orin a separate stand-alone unit, to cool the heat exchanger.

[0175] With reference to FIG. 17, in another embodiment of theinvention, a phase change material, such as ice, is provided within acassette 1788 that can couple to a base unit 1790 of a photocosmeticdevice so as to bring the phase change material into contact with a heatexchanger within the base. As described in more detail below, the heatexchanger can include passageways for flow of a cooling fluid, e.g.,water, that circulates between the base unit and a handpiece of thephotocosmetic device in order to cool a heated element incorporated inthe handpiece. Alternatively, the cassette 1788 may couple to thehandpiece of a photocosmetic device.

[0176] More particularly, with reference to FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B, thecassette 1888 can engage with a receiving module 1892, disposed withinthe base unit, in which a heat exchanger 1894 is incorporated.

[0177]FIG. 19 schematically illustrates various components of theexemplary cassette 1988 suitable for use in this embodiment of theinvention. The illustrative cassette 1988 includes a housing 1996 inwhich a container (pouch) 1998 for storing a selected quantity of aphase change material is disposed. The container 1998 can be formed of acompliant material, such as plastic, having preferably good thermalconductivity. In this exemplary embodiment, the container 1998 includesa lower portion 1998 a and an upper portion 1998 b that surround twomovable plates 19100 and 19102, which can move in a direction A to exertpressure on either the lower or the upper portions of the container1998.

[0178] As shown in FIG. 18B and FIG. 19, prior to engagement of thecassette with the receiving module 1892, the pouch 1998 contains aselected quantity of ice, or other suitable material, while the upperportion of the pouch is empty. During formation of the ice in the pouchby freezing a selected quantity of water, the movable plate 19100 and alower surface 1996 a of the cassette's housing form a “mold” forgenerating a “brick” of ice while the movable plate 19102 squeezes theupper portion of the pouch to force any water remaining in the thatportion to be transferred into the lower portion.

[0179] With reference to FIG. 20, upon engagement of the cassette withthe receiving module 2092, the ice block contained within the pouch 2098will be in thermal contact with the heat exchanger 2094. The heatexchanger includes an ingress port 20104 through which a cooling fluidthat has extracted heat from the heated element, disposed in thedevice's handpiece, flows into the heat exchanger. The thermal contactof the lower portion of the pouch 2098 with the heat exchanger causesthe heat carried by the cooling fluid to be transferred to the icecontained within the pouch 2098, thereby causing it to melt. In otherwords, melting of the ice provides the mechanism for removing heat fromthe cooling fluid, thereby lowering its temperature. Meanwhile, themovable plates 20100 and 20102 apply pressure to the lower portion ofthe pouch in order to maintain good thermal contact between the pouchand the heat exchanger, and further to force water generated as a resultof melting of the ice into the upper portion of the pouch.

[0180] Hence, as the cooling fluid flows through the internalpassageways of the heat exchanger, it gives up heat to the ice in thepouch 2098, and it finally exits the heat exchanger at a lowertemperature through an egress port 20106. The cooling fluid is thenreturned to the handpiece in order to extract heat from the heatedelement.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 21, as the ice melts, the volume of the icewithin the lower portion 2198 a of the pouch 2198 decreases while watercontinues to accumulate in the upper portion 2198 b of the pouch.Finally, as shown in FIG. 22, the ice is used up and the generated wateris collected in the upper portion of the pouch. The cassette can then beremoved from the base unit. As the cassette is pulled out of the baseunit, the plate 22102 applies a pressure to the upper portion of thepouch to cause transfer of the collected water into the pouch's lowerportion. Hence, when the cassette is fully disengaged from the baseunit, the water is accumulated in the lower portion, as shown previouslyin FIG. 19.

[0182] The formation of ice in the cassette can be accomplished byemploying a number of different techniques. For example, a TE cooler canbe provided in the base unit to which the cassette can couple in orderto freeze water contained in the pouch. Alternatively, such a TE coolercan be provided in a separate accessory unit. In another approach, thecassette can be placed in a freezer for a selected time period to freezewater contained in the pouch into ice.

[0183] In other aspects, the invention provides a cooling device thatcan be coupled to an optical transmissive element of the optics assemblyof a handpiece of a photocosmetic device to remove heat therefrom. Asshown in FIG. 23, in an exemplary embodiment, a cooling device 23108,herein also referred to as a heat exchanger, can surround thetransmissive element 2336 to extract heat therefrom. The cooling of thetransmissive element 2336 can in turn cause removing heat from (i.e.,cooling) a portion of a patient's skin, which is in contact with asurface of the transmissive element during operation of thephotocosmetic device, to ensure that the temperature of the treatmentarea remains within an acceptable range.

[0184] In one embodiment, the exemplary heat exchanger 23108 can beconfigured as a hollow sleeve that wraps around the transmissive element2336 so as to be in thermal contact therewith. The sleeve, which ispreferably formed of a thermally conductive material (e.g., copper), cancontain a phase change material, such as ice or a vaporizable liquid,whose phase transition can be utilized in order to remove heat from theoptical transmissive element. Preferably, the optical transmissiveelement is maintained at a temperature less than about 30° C. Inaddition, the sleeve can also be configured to directly remove heat fromtreated skin surface during operation of the photocosmetic device.Without any loss of generality, in the following description, the phasechange material is assumed to be ice with the understanding that anyother suitable phase change material can also be utilized. For example,in some embodiments, a frozen mixture of water and an additive, such assalt or alcohol, can be stored in the hollow sleeve.

[0185] Upon melting of the ice contained within the sleeve 23108, thegenerated water can be either released from the hollow sleeve onto thetreatment area of the patient's skin or can be retained within thehollow sleeve. In some embodiments, the sleeve 23108 includes aplurality of openings, such as openings 23110, that allow introducingthe water onto the treatment area. In other embodiments, therapeutic,cosmetic or cleaning agents can be added to the water to be alsoreleased onto the treatment area. Non-limiting examples of suchadditives include lotions, vitamins, aloe vera, petroleum jelly, oils,bee pollen, glycerin, moisturizers, preservatives, plant extracts, andfruit extracts. The openings can also be utilized for replenishing thephase change material in liquid form.

[0186] As discussed above, the hollow sleeve is preferably formed from athermally conductive material, such as thermoconductive plastics orcomposite materials, ceramics, or metals. In some embodiments, thehollow sleeve can be formed of a semi-permeable or porous material suchthat, upon melting of the ice, the generated water can be selectivelyreleased onto the subject's treatment area. The pores can be configuredto be sufficiently small such that the phase change material isdispersed onto the subject area only when in liquid form. Dispersal ofthe liquid can be controlled through the application of pressure, forexample, during the movement of the transmissive element along thetreatment area. More particularly, in some embodiments, a mechanism canbe coupled to the sleeve to allow exerting pressure thereon as thetransmissive element moves over the treatment area to facilitateintroduction of the water and/or water mixed with therapeutic agentsonto the skin.

[0187] It is generally preferable to design the hollow sleeve so thatits surface to volume ratio is maximized. For example, the hollow sleevecan be designed to substantially cover a peripheral outer surface area,i.e., the surface area other than the area facing the patient's skin, ofthe transmissive element. Alternatively, the hollow sleeve can bedesigned to substantially cover both the outer peripheral surface areaof the transmissive element and/or partially cover the top face of thetransmissive element (FIG. 24A), while still permitting opticalradiation to be transmitted to the subject's treatment area. In anotherembodiment, the hollow sleeve can be designed to be in thermal contactnot only with the transmissive element but also with the heat sink 2432that is turn in thermal contact with a heated element (e.g., a lightsource) for removing heat therefrom (See FIG. 24B).

[0188] The hollow sleeve can be of various shapes. In general, the shapeof the sleeve is complementary to that of the transmissive element toensure good thermal contact therewith. For example, some suitablegeometrical shapes for the hollow sleeve include, though are not limitedto, a toroid having a circular, a rectangular, an oval or any othercross-sectional shape. The hollow sleeve can be configured to easilyattach to and closely contact with the transmissive element. A number ofmechanisms can be utilized to secure the hollow sleeve to thetransmissive element and/or the heat sink. Non-limiting examplesinclude: a) the hollow sleeve can be designed from a semi-elastic orelastic material that can slip over the transmissive element, forming apressure fit with the transmissive element and/or the heat sink, b) thehollow sleeve can be hinged to the device such that the sleeve can cliponto the transmissive element and/or heat sink c) the hollow sleeve canhave a cut-away portion that is complementary to a projection on thetransmissive element.

[0189] In some embodiments, the hollow sleeve is disposable while inother embodiments, it can be recycled. For example, the sleeve filledwith water, or other suitable material, can be placed in a freezer togenerate ice. Alternatively, a stand-alone unit or a unit coupled to thedevice can be provided to house the hollow sleeve during regeneration,i.e., a freezing device into which the hollow sleeve selectively fits.In another embodiment, an additional element, e.g., a catalyst, can beadded to either the hollow sleeve or the phase change material toinitiate the phase change. In yet another example, the hollow sleeve canbe designed to contain an inner tube that can be selectively filled witha material capable of initiating the phase change.

[0190] The surfaces of the transmissive element that receive light fromthe light source and/or are illuminated by light reflected from thetreatment site are preferably formed of a material having a lowcoefficient of absorption of light in order to minimize heating of thesesurfaces.

[0191] IV. Safety Features

[0192] A. Markers

[0193] Aspects of the present invention are directed to providing safetyfeature to prevent misuse of the device. In one embodiment, the deviceis capable of detecting a treatment area. For example, in someapplications, phototreatment devices are capable of being used only onthe desired target area, i.e., a patient's tissue or skin, and not onother parts of the body (e.g., the eyes) thereby preventing potentialinjury to the user. Additionally, preventing use of a phototreatmentdevice on an improper surface such as table, mirror, clothes, etc. mayavoid damage to the device and injury to the user. According toembodiments of this aspect of the invention, a topical substance isdeposited on a tissue to be treated and the topical substance or amarker within the topical substance is detected by a sensor in thephototreatment device so that the phototreatment device functions onlyif the topical substance or marker is detected, and preferably only ifthe topical substance or marker is determined to be on a tissue (e.g.,skin). The topical substance and/or the markers may be detected, forexample, using optical, electrical, magnetic, or acoustic detectiontechniques.

[0194] Two exemplary types of optical markers are absorptive andfluorescent markers. In some embodiments, a mild eye irritant is addedto a topical substance or the marker, to deter a user from applying thetopical substance on an eye.

[0195] In some embodiments of optical systems for detecting an area oftreatment, a topical substance is applied to a tissue, a detectionsource provides light at a wavelength absorbed by the topical substanceor an optical marker within the topical substance, and a detector isconfigured and arranged to detect a reflected portion of said light(i.e., light that is not absorbed). Preferably, the wavelength detectedis close to the peak of absorption of the topical substance or opticalmarker, such that a reduction in the detected signal indicates thepresence of the optical marker. In this embodiment, the optical detectoris designed as a reflectometer to detect reflected light at a wavelengthabsorbed by the topical substance or optical marker.

[0196] Preferably, the topical substance or marker is characterized byan optical absorption spectrum substantially different from that ofskin, to facilitate detection. Also, preferably, the absorption band ofthe topical substance or marker is outside the working spectrum of thephototreatment device, such that detection of the marker may be achievedwithout interference from source. Preferably, the optical density of thetopical substance or marker is higher than the optical density of theskin for the light reflected from the patient's skin in the absorptionband to facilitate detection of the topical substance or marker. Theterm “optical density” (OD) is defined herein to mean${{OD} = {{- \ln}\quad \frac{I_{r}}{I_{i}}}},$

[0197] where I_(i) is the intensity of the incident light and I_(r) isthe intensity of registered light.

[0198]FIG. 25A is a graphical representation of absorption spectra forsome exemplary dyes suitable for use as markers of areas to be treated.The absorption spectra were taken using a UV spectrophotomer of dyesolutions in glycerol with following conentrations: (1) 10 mg/ml FoodBlue, (2) 1 mg/ml Toluidine Blue, (3) 1 mg/ml Brilliant Green, (4) 1mg/ml Indigo Carmine. FIG. 25B is a graphical representation ofabsorption spectra for some exemplary, biocompatible dyes (1: FastGreen, 2: Erioglaucine, 3: Methylene Blue, 4; Indocyanime Green)suitable for use as markers of areas to be treated.

[0199] As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, Food Blue, Toluidine Blue,Brilliant Green, Indigo Carmine, Fast Green, Erioglaucine, MethyleneBlue, and Indocyanine Green can be used as absorptive markers incombination with a suitable source (e.g., a 550-870 nm diode laser or550-870 nm lamp). In addition to the markers indicated in FIGS. 25A and25B, another class of absorptive markers is non-organic absorbers (e.g.,carbon particles; china ink; compounds containing ions of Cu, Fe, Au,Ag, and Zn).

[0200] In some embodiments of systems for detecting areas of treatment,the reflectance is at two substantially different wavelengths, λ₁ andλ₂, where λ₁ lies within the absorption band of the topical substance ormarker and λ₂ lies outside the absorption band. In such embodiments, adetermination that a topical substance is located on a tissue may bedetermined when two conditions are fulfilled:${R_{\min} < R_{2} < R_{\max}},{\frac{R_{1}}{R_{2}} < A_{T}},$

[0201] where R₁ and R₂ are the reflectance coefficients measured at thewavelengths λ₁ and λ₂, respectively; R_(min) and R_(max) are the minimaland maximal threshold values of the reflectance coefficients atwavelength λ₂, respectively; and A_(t) is a threshold value of thereflectance ratio. Preferably, R_(min) and R_(max) are chosen tocorrespond to the physiological range of skin reflectance for λ₂. Theabove recognition algorithm is merely exemplary, and any other suitabledetection algorithm may be used.

[0202] It is to be appreciated that if the peak of absorption shiftswhen the topical substance and/or marker is applied to or penetratesinto the skin, the wavelength to be detected may be adjusted in such away as to correspond to the shifted absorption peak. Such shifts may beused to provide additional assurance that the topical substance ormarker has indeed been applied to skin.

[0203] As mentioned above, optical detection of an area to be treatedmay include a fluorescent marker. The term “fluorescence” is definedherein to encompass all types of non-elastic re-emission ofelectromagnetic energy, including (but not limited to) luminescence andRaman scattering. A “fluorescent marker” is any substance having atleast one active ingredient characterized by fluorescence excitation.

[0204] Preferably, a fluorescent marker has an emission spectrumsubstantially different from that of skin. Also, preferably thefluorescent marker has a high quantum yield of fluorescence. Preferably,biocompatible fluorescent color additives are used as fluorescentmarkers. For example, suitable markers include Eosin Y; D&C Orange Nos.5, 10, and 11; D&C Red Nos. 21, 22, 27, and 28; and Zinc sulfide.

[0205] In order to detect a fluorescent marker, a detection source isconfigured and arranged to provide light in the absorption band of thefluorescent marker, and a detector is configured and arranged to detectlight emitted by the fluorescent marker. For example, the device may bea fluorimeter. In some embodiments, the fluorescent marker isilluminated with wavelength of light λ₁ which lies within the excitationband of the fluorescent marker, a resulting fluorescent signal ismeasured at wavelength λ₂ in the emission band of the fluorescentmarker. In such embodiments, positive identification occurs when thefollowing condition is fulfilled:

I₁₂>F_(t),

[0206] where F_(t) is a threshold value of the fluorescent signal. Otherdetection algorithms can be devised by those skilled in the art withoutdeparture from the scope of the present invention.

[0207] If one or both of the excitation band and emission band shiftswhen the optical marker is applied to or penetrates into the skin, thewavelengths λ₁ and λ₂ can be adjusted in such a way as to correspond tothe shifted bands. A shift of a wavelength may be used to provideinformation related to the nature of the substrate (e.g., is thesubstrate skin or non-skin).

[0208] As indicated above, the topical substance or a marker within thetopical substance may be detected through an electrical detector. Forexample, the topical substance or marker may have electricalconductivity (preferably, more than two-fold) higher than the maximalelectrical conductivity of the skin. Examples of suitable topicalsubstances or markers are conductive lotions and gels, such as:ALOE-STAT® CONDUCTIVE SKIN LOTION (Walter G Legge Company Inc), LECTRON2 CONDUCTIVITY GEL and ELECTRO-MIST ELECTROLYTE SPRAY (PharmaceuticalInnovation), 3M CONDUCTIVE ELECTRODE GEL (3M Surgical ProductsDivision). Some conductive lotions may penetrate into the skin. Todetect an electrically conductive topical substance or marker, aphototreatment device may be quipped with a detector capable ofdetecting an electrical characteristic of the marker. For example, thedetector may be a contact ohmmeter.

[0209] Also as indicated above, a topical substance or a marker withinthe topical substance may be detected through an acoustic detector. Forexample, a topical substance and/or marker may be designed to have anacoustical transmission resonance at a selected acoustic frequency, suchthat application of the topical substance and/or marker to the skinsurface can change (e.g., dampen) the resonance of the topical substanceand/or marker. In such embodiments, a phototreatment device may beequipped with an acoustic source (e.g., a piezo-electric crystal) and atransducer, such that a region covered with the topical substance and/ormarker is identified when the acoustic signal exceeds a preset limit.For example, the detector may indicate that both of the following istrue: 1) there is a signal at the resonance frequency (the film ispresent); and 2) said signal is dampened (i.e., the topical substanceand/or marker is on a tissue).

[0210] As further indicated above, a topical substance or a markerwithin a topical substance may be detected through a magnetic detector.For example, the topical substance and/or marker may consist of orcontain compounds with static or induced magnetic susceptibility. Forexample, magnetic microparticles, paramagnetic (FeO) and ferromagnetic(CrO₂, magnetite). Such compounds may be coated with a polymer(polystyrene) and, for example, the particles may have sizes of 3-10 μm(e.g., such a magnetic material is available from Spherotech, Inc.) orup to 1 μm (e.g., such a magnetic material is available fromPolysciences, Inc). To minimize light absorption of magnetic particlesin the working band of a phototreatment source, they can be coated by ahighly reflecting metal such as Au, Ag, Cu, Al or by a multilayerdielectric coating (Colored Magnetic Particles).

[0211] According to another aspect of the invention, additives can beadvantageously included in a topical substance. The additives mayprovide a variety of effects. The following is an exemplary list ofpossible cosmetic additives: mineral oil, petrolatum, capric/caprylictriglyceraldehydes, cholesterol, lanolin, dimethicone/cyclomethicone,almond oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, coconutoil, grapeseed oil, glycerin (glycerol), propylene glycol, sorbitol,hyaluronic acid, lecithin, Urea, lactic acid, pyrrolidone carboxylicacid (NA-PCA), phospholipids, collagen, elastin, ceramide, vitaminsA,B,C,D,E,K, hyaluronic acid, retinol, potassium hydroxide, orthyioglycolic acid.

[0212] Some additives interact synergistically with the phototreatmentwavelength or wavelengths of light. Three exemplary mechanisms may beinvolved in the synergistic action of the device and the additives.First, the device may create a controlled profile of elevatedtemperature in skin, such that the transdermal penetration of theadditive may be facilitated, and a higher concentration of an activecompound(s) in the target area may be achieved. Second, a mildhyperthermia at the target site may increase the efficiency of an activeingredient(s) and, thus, enhance the desired effect. Third, an additivemay be activated photochemically by the light emission of the device.

[0213]FIG. 4 illustrates photo-enhancement of transcutaneous penetrationof a retinol-containing preparation observed in in vitro conditions.Light with a wavelength of 800-2000 nm and flux 0.5 W/cm² was used inthis experiment. The relative concentration of retinol, the activeingredient in the solution, after 30 minutes exposure to light wasmeasured using UV absorbance. As shown in FIG. 26, the concentration ofretinol is greatest when exposed to light.

[0214] B. Speed of the Device

[0215] Another aspect of the present invention is a motion sensor fordetermining the scanning speed of a phototreatment device. For example,an optical, electrical or magnetic marker may be used for detectingmotion and/or determining scanning speed.

[0216]FIG. 27 is a schematic view of one example of a system 2700 formeasuring a speed of motion S of a phototreatment device over a tissue27150 using a topical substance or a marker 2710 added to a topicalsubstance.

[0217] System 2700 may be located on a head of a phototreatment devicesuch that as the head is moved across a patient's tissue 27150, thespeed of motion S can be monitored. System 2700 comprises an applicator2720 for applying a layer 2725 comprising topical substance and/ormarker, and a detector system 2750 to detect a signal generated by layer2725. As described below, the signal may be optical, electronic, ormagnetic.

[0218] A detector system 2750 comprises a detector 2750 and suitableelectronics to detect the signal generated by or in response to thelayer 2725 and determine the speed of motion S at which the head ismoving across tissue 27150. For example, the calculated speed may beused to control the fluence, wavelength(s) or pulse width of the lightsource, to control the application of a consumable substance, fordisplay of speed S, or any other any other purposes. Further discussionof uses for a measured speed of motion S are given in U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/154,756, incorporated by reference herein above.

[0219] Applicator 2720 is located to deposit layer 2725 onto tissue27150. Applicator 2720 may be any known applicator capable of depositinga layer of material on a tissue. In some embodiments, applicator 2720deposits a layer of uniform thickness.

[0220] The topical substance and marker may be any suitable materialscapable of generating or responding to a suitable signal (e.g., optical,electrical or magnetic signal). In some embodiments, the material has alow enough viscosity to allow the material to be deposited by applicator2720, and high enough viscosity, such that it remains on the tissueafter deposit. Preferably, the material is easily removed by waterand/or soap and water. Preferably, the topical substance and/or markeris index-matched to tissue 27150 to improve optical coupling of lightfrom a source to the tissue (i.e., light from source 125 in FIG. 1Aabove) into tissue 27150.

[0221] In some embodiments, the topical substance and/or marker is afluorescent material. Examples of appropriate fluorescent materialsinclude those described above for use with consumable substances.Preferably the absorption band of the fluorescent material does notoverlap with the wavelengths over which source 125 emits, to preventinterference.

[0222] Layer 2725 may be deposited using applicator 2720; however, insome embodiments of the invention, fluorescent topical substance and/ormarker is applied by hand to form layer 2725; in such embodimentsapplicator 2720 may be omitted. In some embodiments, a fluorescenttopical substance and/or marker is selected such that after applying thefluorescent topical substance and/or marker (e.g., by hand or any othersuitable mechanism) and allowing it to remain for a predetermined time(e.g., 1-5 minutes), the fluorescent topical substance and/or marker maybe removed as some of the fluorescent topical substance and/or markerwill have penetrated the skin and still be detectable.

[0223] In some embodiments, a light projector 2730 projects a pluralityof pulses of light onto layer 2725 having a wavelength in the absorptionband of the fluorescent material to cause the fluorescent material togenerate fluorescent light (i.e., to fluoresce). Light projector 2730may be any LED, laser, lamp or any other known source of light capableof causing layer 2725 to generate fluorescent light. In someembodiments, the light pulses are uniform in intensity to generateuniform amounts of fluorescent light, and/or the pulses are generated atuniform intervals of time. Alternatively, the light may have anyselected signal such that the signal has a known intensity (e.g., thesignal may be a harmonic signal of known amplitude). Light projector2730 may consist of a light source or may comprise a light source andfocusing optics, beam steering optics, or any other suitable opticalcomponents.

[0224] In embodiments where the topical substance and/or marker is afluorescent marker, detector 2740 is located to receive fluorescentlight. Detector 2740 may be any detector sensitive to the fluorescentlight emitted by fluorescent layer 2725 after light is projected onto itby the light projector 2730. Preferably, detector 2740 is a lowelectrical noise detector.

[0225] In some embodiments, detector 2740 is a known distance L fromlight projector 2730. Detector 2740 may measure an intensity using asingle photosensitive element to determine the location of a peakintensity of the fluorescent light, or may have an array ofphotosensitive elements to determine the location of the peak intensityof the fluorescent light. In some embodiments, a band pass filter 2742may be placed in front of detector 2740 to filter any extraneous light(i.e., any light other than fluorescent light emitted by fluorescentlayer 2725).

[0226] Detector system 2750 is coupled to detector 2740 to calculate thespeed of motion S. Speed of motion S may be calculated using any knownmethod. In some embodiments, light projector 2730 projects pulses ontolayer 2725, which are uniformly spaced in time, and detector system 2750determines a time interval between peaks in the fluorescent lightintensity as detected by detector 2740. By calculating a ratio of thedistance L and the time interval between the peaks, speed of motion Smay be determined. Alternatively, light projector 2730 may projectpulses of light of known intensity, and the detector system 2750measures the intensity of the peak detected by the detector 2740. Iflight projector 2730 generates a pulse of light having a known intensityand if fluorescent layer 2725 emits fluorescent light having a knownintensity and a known decay rate, a time interval between the pulse oflight produced by projector 2730 and time at which detector 2740 detectsthe light can be calculated. Because there is a known distance L betweenlight projector 2730 and detector 2740, by calculating a ratio betweendistance L and time interval, a speed can be calculated.

[0227] In other embodiments, the detector 2740 need not be a knowndistance L from light projector 2730. Instead, the applicator depositsbands of fluorescent marker in a known pattern, having a known spacing.Accordingly, light projected onto the pattern by projector 2730 ismodulated by the known pattern, so the speed can be calculated. Forexample, the known pattern may be formed by fluorescing molecules orparticles at periodical parallel lines (bars) with period Δ. When thehandpiece is moved across the skin, the reflection signal is modulatedwith a period P=Δ/S, so the speed can calculated as S=Δ/P.

[0228] In other embodiments of system 2700, layer 2725 is a topicalsubstance and/or marker that is absorptive of light from projector 2730.In such embodiments, projector 2730 provides light having a wavelengthin the band of absorption of the absorptive layer 2725. Similar to thefluorescent layer system described above, projector 2730 may be aprojector that provides periodic pulses or harmonics; however, in thepresent embodiment, detector 2750 may measure a reflected portion oflight, or may measure heat generated by the absorption of light by thelayer (e.g., the detector may be an infrared detector, a thermocouple,or a thermistor). Similar to the fluorescent topical system and/ormarker system described above, the speed can be determined by measuringthe time between pulses or using a known marker pattern.

[0229] In addition to optical topical substance and/or markers,electrical topical substance and/or markers may be used to measure speedof a phototreatment device. For example, a Hall sensor can be used as amotion sensor to detect magnetic field from the current flowing throughthe topical substance and/or marker. Current and voltage in the Hallsensor will be proportional to the current through the topical substanceand to speed of motion S. Alternatively, a conductive pattern can beformed on the film as periodical conductive lines (bars). Using anelectrical sensor (e.g., an ohmmeter), speed S can be determined as aratio of the spatial period of the conductive pattern to the period ofmodulation of the signal from the ohmmeter.

[0230] Alternatively, a magnetic topical substance and/or marker may beused for measuring speed of a phototreatment device. Movement of thetopical substance in the magnetic field can be detected as electromotiveforce in simple voltage sensor. A magnetic pattern can be formed on thefilm, for example, a pattern comprised of periodic magnetic lines(bars). In such embodiments, the electromotive force in the voltagesensor will be modulated with a period inversely proportional to speedS.

[0231] C. Visualizing the Treated Area

[0232]FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of another aspect of thepresent invention directed to visibly indicating an area that has beentreated. Because treatment with a phototreatment device 2800 usuallydoes not cause any visible change to the skin, a topical substanceand/or marker 2810 may be deposited to provide a visual indication ofareas that have been treated.

[0233] In some embodiments, a topical substance 2810 and/or markerhaving optical characteristics that are visible to an operator of thephototreatment device are deposited by an applicator coupled to thephototreatment device 2804. The applicator 2820 deposits the substance2810 onto the tissue 2805 as the device is moved over a tissue region2805, but prior to irradiation of the tissue region 2805 by theradiation source 2830 of the phototreatment device 2804. For example,the topical substance and/or marker 2810 can be comprised of a layer oflotion, gel, an adhesive wax, or a dye described above with reference toFIG. 25A and FIG. 25B may be used.

[0234] Alternatively, the topical substance and/or marker may bedeposited by hand or any suitable device, and the topical substanceand/or marker may be removed by the phototreatment device such thatafter the phototreatment device has passed over the tissue, the operatorcan visually discern the treated area. In some embodiments, the topicalsubstance and/or marker has one or more optical characteristic thatchange after treatment (i.e., after exposure to phototreatment light).For example, the topical substances and/or marker may be invisible priorto exposure to the treatment light and become visible after treatment,or the topical substances and/or marker may be visible before treatmentand become invisible after treatment (e.g., the topical substances nd/ormarker may be photo or thermally bleached). For example, suitable dyescan be selected from the polymethine, coumarine, or xanthene groups.

[0235] It is to be appreciated that although the aspects of theinvention described in this application were described for use with aphototreatment device, aspects of the invention may have application inother types of devices that use consumable substances. Additionally, itis to be appreciated that, although consumable substances have beendescribed as having been delivered through a replaceable containerintegrated with or attached to a phototreatment device, the consumablesubstances may be held within containers that are not non-integratedwith and non-attached to a phototreatment device; in such embodimentsconsumable contents from a container may be directly applied to a tissuewithout passing through a phototreatment device.

[0236] D. Shut-Off Mechanism

[0237] 40. In yet another aspect, the invention provides a system,having a radiation source, detector, and processor, for measuring aspeed of motion of a phototreatment device over a tissue region, wherethe phototreatment device has an electromagnetic source to effect aphototreatment and the tissue region has a substance applied thereto. Anapplicator coupled to the phototreatment device can be used fordepositing the substance onto the tissue prior to irradiation of thetissue region by the radiation source. The substance contains a marker.Non-limiting examples of markers include fluorescent markers, absorptivemarkers, electrical markers, optical markers, and magnetic markers. Theradiation source is positioned on the phototreatment device to irradiatethe tissue region and the applied substance. The detector is associatedwith the phototherapeutic device configured and arranged to monitor thesubstance. The processor calculates a speed of motion of thephototreatment device based on signals from the detector. The radiationsource can be further coupled to the phototreatment device forirradiating a plurality of tissue locations and the substance is appliedthereto as the device moves over the tissue region. The detector can befurther coupled to the phototreatment device at a selected distance fromthe radiation source and arranged to monitor a response of the substanceat an irradiated location subsequent to said irradiation. The processorcan be further coupled to the detector for comparing said monitoredresponse with a pre-selected value to determine a speed of motion ofsaid phototreatment device.

[0238] The system can contain a comparator, for comparing the calculatedspeed of motion with a defined maximum speed value in order to determinewhen the calculated speed has exceeded a threshold established by thedefined maximum speed. A preferred maximum speed in the 100-500 mm/secrange. A comparator can also be used for comparing the calculated speedof motion with a defined minimum speed value in order to determine whenthe calculated speed has fallen below a threshold established by thedefined minimum speed. A preferred minimum speed is in the 10-100 mm/secrange. The system also contains a shut-off switch responsive to acontrol signal to terminate phototreatment when the speed has fallenbelow the threshold, thereby preventing injury to the user. For example,the control signal can enable the processor to control theelectromagnetic source based on the speed of the phototherapeuticdevice. The shut-off switch can include a shutter that blocks theradiation and/or an alarm to alert the user.

[0239] Those skilled in the art will appreciate, or be able to ascertainusing no more than routine experimentation, further features andadvantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments.Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has beenparticularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appendedclaims. All publications and references are herein expresslyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

1. A container, comprising: a container housing defining at least onecompartment therein; a substance contained in the compartment, thehousing and the compartment being capable of coupling to aphototreatment device to permit heat transfer between the substance andthe device; and an indicator coupled to the compartment.
 2. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the substance is a reuseable substance. 3.The container of claims 1, wherein the substance is a phase changematerial.
 4. The container of claim 3, wherein the phase change materialis selected from the group consisting of liquid carbon tetrafluoride,liquid CO₂, ice, frozen lotions, frozen creams and frozen gels.
 5. Thecontainer of claim 3, wherein the phase change material exhibits a phasetransition from a liquid to a gaseous state.
 6. The container of claim3, wherein the phase change material exhibits a phase transition from asolid to a liquid state.
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein thesubstance is a consumable substance.
 8. The container of claim 7,wherein the consumable substance is chosen from the group consisting oftopical substances, coolants, super-cooled liquids, pressurized gases,and phase change materials.
 9. The container of claim 7, wherein theconsumable substance comprises at least one of lotions, creams, waxes,films, water, alcohols, oils, gels, powders, aerosols, and granularparticles.
 10. The container of claim 8, wherein the coolant is one ofliquid tetrafluorethane (R-134a), liquid CO₂, ice, frozen lotions,frozen gels, cristallohydrates (45% CaCl*6H₂O: 55% CaBr*6H₂O oreKF*4H₂O), organic materials as HO(C₂H₄O)₈C₂H₄OH (PE Glycol), Caprilicacid, Hexadecane, and Paraffin
 5913. 11. The container of claims 1,wherein the housing and compartment are capable of being coupled to aphototreatment device to provide a flow path for substance releaseduring phototreatment
 12. The container of claim 1, wherein thesubstance further comprises a marker.
 13. The container of claim 12,wherein the marker is selected from the group consisting of absorptivemarkers, photoactive markers, optical markers, fluorescent markers,electric markers, and magnetic markers.
 14. The container of claim 12,wherein the marker is selected from the group consisting of dyes,metals, ions, colored particles, photosensitve dyes, photosensitivematerials, carbon particles, conductive skin lotions, electrolytesprays, conductive electrode gels, and oxides.
 15. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the compartment is capable of being fluidly coupled toat least one of a head of a phototreatment device, a heat dissipatingelement, target area, or a tissue to be treated.
 16. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one compartment further comprises a firstcompartment and a second compartment, the first compartment adapted tocouple to a tissue, and the second compartment adapted to couple to aheat dissipating element in the phototreatment device.
 17. The containerof claim 1, wherein the indicator is selected from the group consistingof mechanical indicia, optical indicia, magnetic indicia, electronicindicia, and piezoelectronic indicia.
 18. The container of claim 1,wherein the indicator is coupled to a detector that is configured andarranged to monitor a substance parameter.
 19. The container of claim18, wherein the detector is selected from the group consisting of amechanical detector, an optical detector, a magnetic detector, anelectronic detector, and a piezoelectronic detector.
 20. The containerof claim 1, wherein the container is adapted to couple to aphototreatment device.
 21. The container of claim 20, wherein thecontainer is user-replaceable.
 22. A method of operating aphototreatment device comprising: coupling a container of an adjuvantsubstance to a phototreatment device, the container having at least oneindicator associated therewith to permit monitoring of the substance;evaluating the indicator; and enabling operation of the phototreatmentdevice if the evaluation is acceptable.
 23. The method of claim 22,wherein the step of enabling operation comprises activating a radiationsource.
 24. A system for measuring a speed of motion of a phototreatmentdevice over a tissue region, the phototreatment device having anelectromagnetic source to effect a phototreatment and the tissue regionhaving a substance applied thereto, comprising: a radiation sourcepositioned on the phototreatment device to irradiate the tissue regionand the applied substance; a detector associated with thephototherapeutic device configured and arranged to monitor thesubstance; and a processor for calculating a speed of motion of thephototreatment device based on signals from the detector.
 25. The systemof claim 24, wherein the system further comprises an applicator coupledto the phototreatment device for depositing the substance onto thetissue prior to irradiation of the tissue region by the radiationsource.
 26. The system of claim 24, wherein the system further comprisesa comparator for comparing the calculated speed of motion with a definedminimum speed value in order to determine when the calculated speed hasfallen below a threshold established by the defined minimum speed. 27.The system of claim 26, wherein the system further comprises a shut-offswitch responsive to a control signal to terminate phototreatment whenthe speed has fallen below the threshold.
 28. A phototreatment devicefor use with a marker, comprising: a radiation source to effect aphototreatment on a region of tissue; and a detector assembly to detectthe marker and to selectively activate the radiation source based onmarker detection.
 29. The phototreatment device of claim 28, wherein thedevice further comprises an applicator configured and arranged todeposit the marker in at least a portion of the region.
 30. A coolingsystem for extracting heat from a light generating device, comprising: aheat exchanger in thermal contact with a cooling fluid that extractsheat from the light generating device, and a phase change medium inthermal contact with said heat exchanger, said phase change mediumabsorbing heat from the heat exchanger to undergo a phase transition,thereby removing heat from the heat exchanger.
 31. The cooling system ofclaim 30, wherein said phase change medium is ice.
 32. The coolingsystem of claim 30, wherein the cooling system further comprises acartridge for containing a selected quantity of the phase change medium,said cartridge having an ingress port and an egress port and beingadapted for removable and replaceable placement in a flow path of saidfluid to allow inflow of said fluid carrying heat from the heatedelement via said ingress port so as to provide thermal contact betweensaid fluid and said phase change material.
 33. A cooling system forextracting heat from a handpiece of a photocosmetic device, comprising:a heat sink in thermal contact with a heated element in the handpiece toextract heat therefrom, a cartridge storing a phase change medium, saidcartridge being adapted for coupling to the heat sink so as to providethermal contact between said phase change medium and the heat sink, saidphase change medium absorbing heat from the heat sink to undergo a phasetransition from a solid state to a liquid state thereby removing heatfrom the heat sink, wherein said cartridge includes one or more channelsfor removing liquid generated upon said phase transition.
 34. Thecooling system of claim 33, wherein said heated element comprises acomponent of the handpiece in thermal contact with a treatment site of apatient receiving radiation from said photocosmetic device.
 35. Thecooling system of claim 33, wherein said cartridge comprises acompartment coupled to said channels for collecting said removed liquid.36. The cooling system of claim 33, further comprising a mechanismcoupled to said phase change medium for exerting pressure thereon so asto maximize thermal contact between said phase change medium and saidheat sink while said phase transition is in progress.
 37. The coolingsystem of claim 33, further comprising a manifold coupled to saidcartridge, said manifold having one or more ports for diverting aportion of said phase change medium in liquid state onto a treatmentsite of a patient receiving radiation from said photocosmetic device.38. The cooling system of claim 33, wherein said cartridge furtherstores any of a therapeutic, a cleaning or a cosmetic agent to bereleased onto said treatment site via said manifold.
 39. A coolingcartridge for coupling to a photocosmetic device, comprising a housingfor storing a phase change medium, said housing being adapted forcoupling to a heat sink incorporated in said device so as to providethermal contact between said phase change medium and said heat sink. 40.The cooling cartridge of claim 39, further comprising one or morechannels formed in said housing for removing fluid generated upon aphase transition of said phase change medium in response to absorbingheat from said heat sink.
 41. The cooling cartridge of claim 40, furthercomprising a compartment coupled to said channels for collecting saidremoved fluid.
 42. The cooling cartridge of claim 39, further comprisinga mechanism coupled to said phase change medium for exerting pressurethereon so as to maximize thermal contact between said phase changemedium and said heat sink upon engagement of said cartridge with saidheat sink.
 43. The cooling cartridge of claim 39, wherein the cartridgeis adapted to be coupled to a handpiece of the device.
 44. A method ofoperating a phototreatment device, comprising: applying a topicalsubstance to a tissue; detecting a parameter associated with the topicalsubstance; and enabling operation of the phototreatment device based ona detected value of the substance parameter.